Bicycle Rack Pivot Actuator With Removable Extension Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle equipment racks face challenges in easily attaching and detaching removable extension assemblies, particularly when the actuator for the latching mechanism is difficult to access, making it inconvenient to pivot the rack between operational and stowed configurations.
Innovation Solution
An actuator mechanism with a connector body, extension actuator, and linkage catch is integrated into the extension assembly, allowing for quick attachment and detachment by guiding the linkage catch into a catch detent, and featuring a biasing mechanism to hold the linkage in place, with a release actuator for disengagement, enabling easy operation without additional assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latching mechanism is used with the actuator located on the main rack body, then the rack can be securely latched, but the actuator becomes difficult to access when the extension assembly is attached, making it inconvenient to pivot the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is segmented into two parts: the connector body remains on the main rack body while the extension actuator is integrated into the removable extension assembly. This segmentation allows the actuator components to be distributed to different locations, making the actuator accessible from the extension assembly side while maintaining the latching function on the main rack.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the extension actuator in the removable assembly and the connector body on the main rack. When the extension actuator is actuated, it moves the linkage which in turn actuates the connector body to engage or disengage the latching mechanism, transmitting the actuating force through the linkage intermediary.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension assembly is made removable for flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the attachment and detachment process becomes more complex requiring additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment and detachment functions are merged with the actuator operation. When the extension assembly is attached, the connector body and linkage automatically align and engage through the actuating mechanism. The same actuator that controls latching also facilitates the attachment/detachment process, combining multiple functions into a single operational sequence rather than requiring separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body includes features such as guide surfaces and self-aligning mechanisms that enable the linkage to automatically engage with the connector body when the extension assembly is attached. The mechanism guides itself into the correct position and engages the latching feature without requiring manual alignment or additional fastening steps, making the attachment process self-servicing.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch mechanism for a pivoting bicycle rack provides a pivot release actuator on an extension that is added on to the bicycle rack. The latch mechanism comprises a connector body that is attached to the bicycle rack, and that may have an actuator for operating the pivot release. The rack extension assembly has an actuator and a linkage that connects to the connector body in the bicycle rack so that the actuator in the extension can release the pivot on the bicycle rack. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack. The mechanism may be provided with a means for disconnecting the linkage from the connector body.