Bicycle Rack Support Unit With Toggle Lever Axle Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carrier support units face challenges in simplifying operation and ensuring reliable locking of the movable holding element, particularly when accommodating different sizes of quick-release axles, and often require separate locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The support unit incorporates a toggle lever mechanism that moves and locks the movable holding element, allowing for simplified operation and reliable locking, with an optional compensating device for elastic support to accommodate various axle sizes, and includes a spring element for biasing the movable holding element towards the open position to prevent unintentional locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate locking mechanism is used to ensure reliable locking of the movable holding element, then locking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the clamping device by using a toggle lever mechanism that integrates both clamping and locking actions into a single mechanism. The toggle lever (41, 42) works together with the movable holding element (22) to provide both clamping force and reliable locking without requiring a separate locking mechanism, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle lever mechanism is designed to automatically lock itself in the holding position through its geometric configuration. When the movable holding element is moved to the holding position, the toggle lever mechanism naturally engages in a self-locking configuration due to its mechanical geometry, eliminating the need for additional locking components or complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable holding element is designed to accommodate different axle sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clamping force generated by the toggle lever mechanism that automatically adapts to different axle sizes. The mechanical advantage of the toggle lever system allows it to exert sufficient clamping force on various axle diameters without requiring adjustable components or complex control systems, maintaining adaptability while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force and geometric parameters of the toggle lever mechanism are designed to accommodate a range of axle sizes. The mechanism's mechanical properties allow it to effectively clamp different diameter axles through parameter optimization rather than through complex adjustable mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
3Reliability
If a spring element is added to prevent unintentional locking, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element (24) is pre-installed to exert a preliminary force that biases the movable holding element (22) toward the open position. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintentional locking by counteracting any forces that might accidentally move the holding element to the closed position during axle insertion, adding safety with a simple spring mechanism rather than complex control systems.
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
This solution enables a structurally simple and reliable locking mechanism that can handle different axle sizes without a separate locking mechanism, ensuring easy operation and improved safety by preventing accidental locking during insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping device has a compensating device by means of which the toggle lever mechanism is elastically supported for limited translational movement relative to the stationary holding element
Implementation Method 2
includes a spring element for biasing the movable holding element towards the open position to prevent unintentional locking
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
1. Support unit for a bicycle carrier 2.1 Such a support unit for a bicycle carrier comprising a holding device designed to hold a mounting section, in particular a thru-axle, mounted on a bicycle fork, wherein the holding device comprises a fixed holding element, a movable holding element and a holding recess formed between the fixed holding element and the movable holding element, and wherein the movable holding element is movable relative to the fixed holding element between an open position in which the holding receptacle is open to receive the mounting section and a holding position in which the holding receptacle is closed to hold the mounting section, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the support unit has a clamping device configured to move the movable retaining element between the open position and the holding position and to lock the movable retaining element in the holding position, wherein the clamping device has a toggle lever mechanism which is operatively connected to the movable retaining element for moving and locking it and is movable within a plane of movement. 2.3 Use for a bicycle carrier on a motor vehicle.