Bicycle Mounting Device with Protective Core for Tailgate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for safely transporting bicycles in pickup trucks are either cumbersome, scratch the tailgate, or lack secure attachment options.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle mounting device featuring a base strap with adjustable connectors, a flexible protective core, and various securing elements like hooks and buckles that securely attach to the truck tailgate and bicycle frame, preventing scratches and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external carrying rack is attached to the tailgate, then bicycle transport capability is improved, but device complexity and potential for damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a base strap that attaches to the tailgate, and removable connection elements that attach to the bicycle. This segmentation allows the device to be simple yet adaptable to different bicycles, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base strap with its adjustable connector can attach to various tailgate types, while the connection elements can accommodate different bicycle frame geometries. This universal design enables the simple device to transport multiple bicycle types without increasing complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional strapping methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the tailgate and bicycle are prone to scratching
Solution Approach 1:
A protective core is introduced as an intermediary element between the strap and the surfaces it contacts. This core acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the strap material and the tailgate or bicycle, eliminating scratching while maintaining device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective core utilizes a flexible protective material that conformally covers the strap surfaces. This flexible protective layer prevents damage to contacted surfaces while allowing the strap to maintain its functional flexibility and simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If simple draping methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but secure attachment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The base strap is pre-configured with attachment points and the connection elements are pre-positioned to contact specific bicycle frame tubes. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick, intuitive attachment without complex adjustments, while ensuring secure contact with structurally sound parts of the bicycle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable connector allows the base strap length to be dynamically modified to fit different tailgate configurations, while the locking mechanism provides dynamic adjustment followed by secure fixation. This combines ease of adaptation with reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle mounting device is provided that includes a base strap having a base strap first end and a base strap second end, where the base strap first end is detachably connected to the base strap second end by an adjustable length connector to form a loop-shape base strap, an upper connection element, where the upper connection element is dimensioned to detachably connect a bicycle frame down tube to the base strap, and at least one lower connection element, where the at least one lower connection element is disposed below the upper connection element, where the at least one lower connection element is dimensioned to detachably connect a bicycle fork arm tube to the base strap.