Universal Bicycle Rack Single Attachment Point Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle racks attached to parts of the bicycle distal to the rider are prone to vibrations and tipping, leading to instability and potential item displacement or fall, and existing universal utility racks with single attachment points do not allow for angle adjustments or proper positioning along different frame sizes.
Innovation Solution
An integrated rack connection assembly (IRCA) with a clamping system that can be affixed to a single point on the bicycle frame, featuring a pivoting platform assembly with locking screws for angle adjustment and cross bar members for securing items, allowing for versatile positioning and attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional racks are affixed to parts of the bicycle distal to the rider (such as handle bars and fenders), then the rack can be easily attached, but the rack is subjected to constant vibrations and tipping causing instability and potential item displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system transitions from static attachment points to dynamic positioning capability, allowing the rack to be moved along the frame tubes to optimal positions. The clamping mechanism enables dynamic adjustment while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and stability by allowing the user to dynamically position the rack on stable frame sections rather than being fixed to unstable distal components
Solution Approach 2:
The frame tubes (top tube, down tube, seat tube) serve as intermediary stable structures between the unstable distal components (handlebars, fenders) and the rack. By attaching to these intermediate frame elements through the clamping mechanism, the rack gains stability from the rigid triangle structure of the bicycle frame while maintaining ease of attachment through the adjustable clamping system
2Device complexity
If universal utility racks with single attachment points are used, then less space is required and interference with moving components is reduced, but angle adjustments and positioning along different frame sizes are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into multiple independent clamping sections that can be positioned at different locations along the frame tubes. Each clamping mechanism can be independently adjusted and locked at various positions, providing positioning flexibility while maintaining the benefit of a relatively simple single-attachment-point design. The segmentation allows adaptation to different frame sizes and geometries without requiring multiple fixed attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping mechanism incorporates adjustable parameters including position along the tube, clamping force, and orientation angles. By allowing these parameters to be changed and locked at different settings, the system achieves versatility in positioning and adaptation to different frame sizes while maintaining a simple single-attachment-point configuration. The adjustable angle mechanism enables the rack to accommodate different frame geometries without compromising structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A universal bicycle rack with single attachment point is disclosed. The invention, referred to herein as an ‘integrated rack connection assembly’ (IRCA) is comprised of three main parts. A first part being a tubular, platform, section (PS) with crossbar members for holding user items (such as bags, cases, etc.); a second part being a Connection section (CS) for attaching the IRCA to a bicycle frame; and a third part being a tubular; platform assembly (PA) connecting the PS to the CS allowing a user to position the IRCA at various angles on a bike frame: The CS also having clamping plates allowing the apparatus to fit onto frames of different shapes and sizes. An object of the invention is to leverage the stability of a bike's central frame through a single attachment when storing items on a bicycle.