Bicycle Towing Carrier With Three-Point Front Wheel Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle towing devices require advance preparation and tools to secure the towed bicycle, making spontaneous towing in emergencies difficult and potentially unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A device that supports the front wheel of the towed bicycle at three points, using a tire support, hub support, and hub stop to stabilize the wheel without modifying it, allowing it to follow the towing bicycle's direction changes while preventing lateral slippage and tilting, with adjustable features for different tire diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fastening nuts and clamps are used to secure the towed bicycle, then the towing connection is reliable, but the device requires advance preparation and tools making spontaneous towing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential securing function from the complex fastening nut and clamp system, replacing it with a simple hook that engages with a corresponding loop on the towed bicycle. This eliminates the need for tools and advance preparation while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook and loop connection uses simple, inexpensive components that can be quickly deployed and discarded if necessary, rather than requiring durable, tool-based fastening systems. The connection is sufficient for the towing duration without needing permanent installation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the front wheel is firmly fixed to prevent lateral slippage, then towing stability is improved, but the towed bicycle cannot automatically follow direction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheel securing system is segmented into multiple independent support points (hub support, tire support, and lateral support) rather than a single rigid clamp. This allows the wheel to be held securely while permitting natural steering movements through the fork.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the wheel securing system provide different types of support: the hub support prevents forward/backward movement, the tire support prevents lateral slippage, but the fork area remains open to allow steering. This localized quality distribution achieves both stability and adaptability.
3Reliability
If the device is mounted high on the towing bicycle frame, then the towed bicycle is securely elevated, but the center of gravity rises compromising cornering safety
Solution Approach 1:
The device counteracts the tendency to raise the center of gravity by extending support elements downward toward the ground. The tire support and lateral support structure create a lower effective support point, balancing the elevation benefit with improved stability.
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
Enables safe and spontaneous towing without modifying the towed bicycle, maintaining riding stability and comfort, and allowing easy attachment to various bicycle types.
Implementation Method 1
Depending on its deformability, the front tire can be elastically compressed to a greater or lesser extent in the area of the tire support during this immobilization according to the invention and exerts a counterforce on the tire support, which further stabilizes the immobilization position.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for towing a towed bicycle with a towing bicycle comprises a frame attachment (1) for the towing bicycle, a carrier (2) connected to the frame attachment (1), the carrier comprising a hub holder (4) for the front wheel hub of the towed bicycle. In order to enable safe towing of a towed bicycle without modifying it, whereby the towing position can be established as simply as possible and driving safety during towing is impaired as little as possible, the carrier (2) forms a tire support (3) for the tire of the front wheel of the towed bicycle and the hub holder (4) comprises a hub support (5) for the front wheel hub and a hub stop (6) engaging behind the front wheel hub on the side facing away from the tire support (3).