Bicycle Carrier Actuator Linkage for Removable Add-On Pivot Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle equipment racks, such as bicycle racks, face challenges in conveniently and efficiently attaching and detaching extension assemblies due to the difficulty in accessing the actuator mechanism when the extension is added or removed, which complicates the process and may require additional assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
An actuator mechanism is integrated into the extension assembly that automatically connects to the latching mechanism of the rack assembly, allowing for quick and easy attachment and detachment of the extension without needing additional steps, utilizing a connector body and linkage catch system with biasing mechanisms to ensure secure engagement and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator mechanism is integrated into the extension assembly, then the attachment and detachment process becomes quicker and easier, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like connector body and linkage catch system
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is integrated into the extension assembly by merging the connector body and linkage catch system as unified components. The connector body combines the extension catch receptacle and guide channel functions, while the linkage catch integrates the latching and guiding functions, reducing the need for separate actuator components and simplifying the overall attachment process.
2Reliability
If the linkage catch is guided into the catch detent using sloped edges, then the engagement becomes more secure and automatic, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped edges on the catch plates are pre-configured to guide the linkage catch into proper alignment with the catch detent during the attachment process. This preliminary guiding action ensures that the components engage correctly before final latching occurs, making the process more automatic and secure while reducing the need for high-precision manual alignment during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the connector body is shaped to guide the linkage arm, then the attachment process becomes simpler with fewer steps, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to complex shaping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the structural housing and the guiding mechanism for the linkage arm. The guide channel within the connector body performs the guiding function that would otherwise require a separate component, reducing the number of assembly steps while consolidating functions into a single manufacturable part.
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
Facilitates seamless integration and disengagement of extension assemblies with the rack, enhancing user convenience and reducing operational complexity while maintaining secure latching in both operational and stowed configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator mechanism may have a biasing mechanism that applies a biasing force to the linkage to hold the linkage catch in the catch detent.
Implementation Method 2
the extension catch receptacle has one or more catch plates with sloped edges that guide the linkage catch into the catch detent
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle carrier with a pivoting hub and a removable add-on carrier to carry additional bicycles includes an actuator handle on the add-on carrier. When actuated by a user, the actuator handle disengages the pivoting hub to allow the bicycle carrier to pivot. A latch mechanism is provided to allow the actuator handle on the add-on carrier to be disconnected from the pivoting hub when the add-on carrier is removed from the bicycle carrier. The latch mechanism comprises a first linkage connected to the pivoting hub, a connector body attached to the first linkage, and a second linkage in the add-on carrier that is configured to connect and disconnect to the first linkage via the connector body. The connector body may be shaped to guide the linkage during the process of attaching the extension assembly to the bicycle rack.