Folding Bike Rack Positioning Frame for Wobble-Free Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bike racks suffer from instability and wobbling during vehicle movement due to integrated limiters in the positioning frame, posing a safety concern for drivers.
Innovation Solution
A bike rack design featuring a U-shaped base with a quadrilateral support frame, quick-release devices, and limiters with vertical and horizontal grooves that secure the positioning frame using levers and connection shafts to prevent wobbling, enhanced by elastic cords for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If integrated limiters are used to fix the positioning frame, then the structure is simple, but the positioning frame wobbles during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter is divided into multiple independent components: a body portion, a connection shaft, a lever, and an elastic cord. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the body provides structural support, the connection shaft enables rotation, the lever provides mechanical advantage for tightening, and the elastic cord maintains constant tension - thereby achieving stable positioning frame fixation while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiter incorporates a dynamic tightening mechanism where the lever can be rotated to adjust the position of the clamping block on the connection shaft. This dynamic adjustment allows the limiter to adapt to different installation conditions and maintain optimal clamping force, preventing the positioning frame from wobbles during vehicle movement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If quick-release devices are added to secure the positioning frame, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release function is merged with the limiter structure itself. The lever and clamping block of the limiter serve dual purposes: they provide the tightening force to secure the positioning frame and simultaneously function as a quick-release mechanism. When the lever is released, the elastic cord automatically pulls the clamping block away, enabling quick release without requiring separate quick-release devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord provides automatic tensioning and self-locking functionality. Once the lever is rotated to the tightening position, the elastic cord automatically maintains constant tension on the clamping block, securing the positioning frame without requiring additional locking mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the elastic cord's inherent elasticity to maintain clamping force.
Data Source
AI summary
A bike rack includes a base with a U-shaped bar and a support frame. The support frame is mounted a top of the U-shaped bar. A positioning frame is pivotably connected two connection plates on the support frame. Each connection plate is connected to a limiter by a quick-release device. Each limiter includes a vertical groove and a horizontal groove. The vertical groove accommodates one of two extensions of the positioning frame when the positioning frame is positioned upright. By operating the quick-release devices, the positioning frame is either fitted in the vertical groove or the horizontal groove. The bike rack can securely fasten bicycles and is not wobble or unstable while driving.