Collapsible Cargo Bike Frame with Transverse Wheel Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo bikes face challenges in compactness in their folded state, making parking and storage difficult, and they often require users to leave cargo unattended while converting to a pushcart mode, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cargo bike frame design that allows wheels to pivot transversely and overlap with the cargo holder's face, using hinges and a telescoping mechanism to achieve a more compact form, enabling easy conversion to a pushcart mode without removing cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cargo bike frame is made collapsible to reduce size for parking and storage, then the compactness in folded state is improved, but the complexity of the folding mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple collapsible sections that can be folded independently. The main frame includes a first section and a second section that can be folded relative to each other, while the wheel support structure is separated as a distinct collapsible component. This segmentation allows progressive reduction of size without requiring complex simultaneous folding of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel support structure is designed to fold underneath and nest within the cargo holder when collapsed. The front wheel support structure folds beneath the cargo holder, and the rear wheel support structure folds underneath the main frame, creating a nested configuration that maximizes compactness while using simple hinge connections rather than complex folding mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel support structure is made pivotable to enable folding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of wheel support may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel support structures are pre-configured with hinge connections at optimal positions that automatically guide the folding motion along a predetermined path. The front wheel support is hinged to the cargo holder and the rear wheel support is hinged to the main frame, creating predetermined folding paths that ensure proper alignment and support throughout the folding process, maintaining reliability while enabling easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel support structures transition from a rigid supported state during operation to a collapsible state during folding. The hinge connections allow the wheel supports to dynamically adjust their position and orientation, pivoting to follow the folding motion of the frame sections while maintaining adequate support for the wheels throughout the transition.
3Volume of moving object
If the front wheel support structure is folded underneath the cargo holder, then the volume is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the folded position increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators such as alignment marks or color-coded surfaces are provided on the cargo holder and front wheel support structure to show when proper folding alignment is achieved. When the front wheel support is correctly folded underneath the cargo holder, the alignment marks or color indicators become visible or align, providing an intuitive visual confirmation of the folded position without requiring complex sensors or measurement systems.
4Volume of moving object
If the cargo holder face extends transversely to block the wheel, then the compactness is improved, but the ease of operation for wheel access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel support structures are designed to be dynamically accessible despite the transverse extension of the cargo holder face. The front wheel support pivots on a transverse axis that allows the wheel to be rotated or tilted outward from underneath the cargo holder when needed, providing easy access for wheel removal or maintenance while maintaining the compact transverse profile during normal folded storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
Cargo bike comprising a collapsible frame, the collapsible frame being adjustable between an elongate state in which the collapsible frame positions a front and rear wheel of the cargo bike at a first distance along a longitudinal axis of the cargo bike, and a collapsed state in which the collapsible frame positions the front and rear wheel at a second, smaller distance along the longitudinal axis of the cargo bike, a cargo holder for holding cargo that comprises a face that extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis, and wherein in the collapsed state of the collapsible frame at least one of the wheels extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cargo bike and at least partially overlaps with the transversely extending face.