Bicycle Rack Connection Tube Cam Mechanism for Receiver Tube Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for securing the connection between a bicycle rack's connection tube and a vehicle receiver tube result in a significant gap, leading to shaking during transportation, bolt loosening, and potential damage, due to the use of a transverse bolt that may drop from the tubes.

Innovation Solution

An urging device with two cams located in the connection tube of the bicycle rack that contact the inside of the vehicle receiver tube, utilizing a bolt that rotates to push a block and a body with slots and cams to secure the connection, ensuring multiple contact points and preventing shaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a transverse bolt is used to secure the connection tube to the vehicle receiver tube, then the connection is simplified, but the connection tube shakes during transportation due to significant gap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an urging device as an intermediary component between the connection tube and vehicle receiver tube. This device includes a body with two slots containing cams that contact the inside of the receiver tube, providing continuous urging force to eliminate gaps and prevent shaking while maintaining connection simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The urging device incorporates movable cams within slots that can dynamically adjust their position. The cams are connected to a block that moves along a curved path when the bolt rotates, allowing the device to adapt to variations in the gap size and maintain stable contact throughout the connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a transverse bolt is used to secure the connection, then installation is simple, but the bolt loosens and may drop from the tubes during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidbolt retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The urging device acts as an intermediary that captures and secures the bolt. The body with slots and cams creates a retaining structure that prevents the bolt from loosening or dropping, while still allowing simple installation through the threaded connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The urging device is pre-installed in the connection tube before the bolt is inserted. The cams are positioned in advance to contact the receiver tube, providing continuous urging force that prevents bolt loosening before it can occur during transportation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a transverse bolt is used to secure the connection tube, then the structure is simple, but the shaking of the bolt may damage the two tubes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidtube damage from shaking

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The urging device serves as a protective intermediary between the connection tube and vehicle receiver tube. The cams contact the inside of the receiver tube to eliminate gaps and prevent shaking, thereby protecting both tubes from damage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The urging device is installed beforehand to prevent shaking before it can cause damage. The continuous urging force from the cams eliminates gaps and stabilizes the connection, protecting the tubes from vibration-induced damage during transportation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a stable and secure connection between the bicycle rack and vehicle receiver tube, preventing shaking and ensuring the bolt remains in place, thereby enhancing safety and reliability during transportation.

Implementation Method 1

The bolt threadedly extends through the body and the block such that when the bolt rotates, the block moves to push the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the two cams contact against inside of the receiver tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical contact force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11214203B2Urging device between bicycle rack and vehicle receiver tube

Publication Date: 2022.01.04 KING RACK INDUSTRIAL CO LTD

AI summary

An urging device for a bicycle rack and a vehicle receiver tube is located in the connection tube of the bicycle rack which includes two openings formed through a corner of the rectangular cross section of the connection tube. The vehicle receiver tube is mounted to the connection tube. The urging device includes a body which includes two slots, and two cams are located in the two slots and partially protrude through the two slots respectively. A bolt threads through the receiver tube, the connection tube, and threadedly extends through the body and the block. When the bolt rotates, the block moves to push the body, and the two cams contact against inside of the receiver tube to secure the connection between the connection tube and the receiver tube.