Bike Carrier Support Unit With Self-Locking Fork Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bike carrier systems require cumbersome and multi-step processes for mounting and dismounting bikes, particularly when dealing with different fork types, as users need to hold the bike and operate a locking mechanism, which can be challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A supporting unit with a locking mechanism that is operated by the mounting portion itself, eliminating the need for additional user-operated mechanisms, featuring a self-locking design that automatically engages when the mounting portion is inserted, and a guiding arrangement to facilitate correct positioning and fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used that requires user operation, then the bike can be securely fixed on the supporting unit, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by the mounting portion itself during insertion. The mounting portion, when inserted into the supporting unit, directly operates the locking mechanism through its movement, eliminating the need for separate user operation. This self-service approach maintains secure fixation while dramatically simplifying the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to be triggered by the insertion movement of the mounting portion. As the mounting portion is inserted, it automatically activates the locking mechanism before the mounting is complete, ensuring secure fixation is established as part of the mounting process rather than as a separate step.
2Reliability
If the user needs to hold the bike while operating the locking mechanism, then the bike can be properly mounted, but the process becomes more difficult and requires one-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion serves dual functions: it is both the object being mounted and the operating member that actuates the locking mechanism. During insertion, the mounting portion automatically triggers the locking mechanism, allowing the user to mount the bike with both hands on the bike for stability, eliminating the need to simultaneously hold and operate separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of the mounting portion and the operating member are merged into a single component. The mounting portion itself performs the locking operation through its insertion movement, combining the mounting action and the locking activation into one unified process that can be performed with both hands on the bike.
3Reliability
If an additional operating member is provided for the locking mechanism, then the locking can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion is designed to automatically actuate the locking mechanism through its own insertion movement, eliminating the need for separate operating members such as levers, buttons, or keys. This reduces the number of components while maintaining reliable locking control through the inherent movement of the mounting portion itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting portion is given multiple functions: it serves as both the mounting interface and the operating member for the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated operating components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full locking control capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a supporting unit for a bike carrier. The supporting unit is configured for fixedly holding a mounting portion mountable to the fork of a bike instead of a wheel or being formed by a part other than the wheel of the bike to be transported, for example by a portion of the fork of the bike. The supporting unit comprises a locking mechanism for receiving the mounting portion and to be transferable between a locking state in which the mounting portion is non-releasably fixed on the supporting unit and an unlocking state in which the mounting portion is dismountable from the supporting unit. The locking mechanism is lockable by receiving a force from the mounting portion upon inserting the mounting portion into the supporting unit so that the locking mechanism is transferable into the locking state by the force exerted on the locking mechanism by the mounting portion.