Bicycle Rack Support Device with Collapsible Latch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle racks do not allow for convenient opening of vehicle tail gates while attached and are vulnerable to theft, making them inconvenient and insecure for use.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle rack support device featuring a collapsible latch assembly, horizontal and vertical support bars, and a gear-driven pin lock assembly that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, secure attachment to vehicles, and adjustable positioning to accommodate tail gate opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bicycle racks are permanently attached to the vehicle hitch, then security against theft is improved, but the ability to open tail gates conveniently deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack incorporates a collapsible support bar that can be dynamically adjusted between extended and retracted positions. When the support bar is collapsed, the rack profile is lowered to clear the tail gate opening path, enabling convenient tail gate operation. The rack remains securely attached to the vehicle hitch through the engagement member, while the dynamic adjustment of the support bar resolves the conflict between security and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If conventional bicycle racks are permanently attached to the vehicle hitch, then security against theft is improved, but ease of assembly and disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack is segmented into modular components including a detachable engagement member with locking mechanism, a collapsible support bar with hinge joint, and a mounting bracket. The engagement member can be independently assembled and disassembled from the vehicle hitch using the locking mechanism, while the support bar can be collapsed for compact storage. This segmentation allows easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining security when attached.
3Strength
If the support bar is extended to provide adequate support for the bicycle rack, then load bearing capacity is improved, but clearance for tail gate opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support bar is designed as a dynamic component that can be extended to provide adequate load bearing capacity when bicycles are mounted, and collapsed to clear the tail gate opening path when bicycles are removed or when tail gate access is needed. The hinge joint allows the support bar to be positioned at different angles to optimize both support and clearance as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle rack support device for a vehicle to attach a bicycle rack for carrying a bicycle by the vehicle is provided. The bicycle rack support device includes a bracket, a collapsible latch assembly having a first engagement member and a second engagement member, a horizontal support bar, and a vertical support bar. The first engagement member is operatively engaged along the bottom portion of the bracket and coupled to the horizontal support bar. The second engagement member is operatively engaged along the top portion of the bracket and coupled with the vertical support bar. The vertical support bar is pivoted and may move towards rearward from the partially back opened recess away from the horizontal support bar to be angularly adjusted. The vertical support bar is further pivoted forward towards the horizontal support bar to be locked on the horizontal support bar.