Bicycle Carrier Positioning Assembly One-Handed Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle carriers experience loosening of connecting and main rods over time, leading to potential damage and instability during vehicle travel, requiring two-handed operation to lock or release the main rod for folding, which is inconvenient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A carrier with a positioning assembly comprising a sliding groove, pivot axle, positioning portion, positioning element, and elastic element allows the main and connecting rods to be slidable between positions, enabling one-handed quick folding by using an arch-shaped section and recesses with an extension spring to maintain structural integrity and prevent free pivoting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting rod and main rod are pivotally connected by a tight-fit manner (e.g., using rubber washer to increase friction), then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a sliding groove that allows the pivot axle to move dynamically between a first position (for stable connection) and a second position (for easy folding). The pivot axle can slide along the sliding groove to switch between locked and unlocked states, making the connection adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both stable connection and easy operation through positional dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element (spring) is used to automatically push the pivot axle into the recess of the positioning portion,实现自动锁定功能。当主杆和连接杆处于使用状态时，弹性元件自动确保定位元件与定位部位接合，无需人工干预。这种自服务机制简化了操作，同时保证了连接的稳定性。
2Ease of operation
If the main rod and connecting rod are pivotally connected allowing free pivoting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the rods may loosen and pivot freely after long use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a sliding groove that allows the pivot axle to move dynamically between a first position (for stable connection) and a second position (for easy folding). The pivot axle can slide along the sliding groove to switch between locked and unlocked states, making the connection adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both stable connection and easy operation through positional dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portion with recess and the positioning element (pivot axle) work together to prevent unwanted pivoting before it can occur. The elastic element continuously exerts force to keep the pivot axle engaged with the positioning portion, counteracting any loosening forces that may develop during use. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful free pivoting mentioned in the background.
3Reliability
If a positioning mechanism with pin and release lever is used to prohibit pivoting, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and one-handed operation becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and the folding operation into a single action. By integrating the positioning portion directly into the connection structure and using the pivot axle as both a pivot point and a positioning element, the patent eliminates the need for separate release levers and complex mechanisms. The user simply needs to slide the main rod to fold, combining positioning release and folding into one motion, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If the pivot axle is fixed in position, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as folding requires two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a sliding groove that allows the pivot axle to move dynamically between a first position (for stable connection) and a second position (for easy folding). The pivot axle can slide along the sliding groove to switch between locked and unlocked states, making the connection adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both stable connection and easy operation through positional dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element (spring) is used to automatically push the pivot axle into the recess of the positioning portion,实现自动锁定功能。当主杆和连接杆处于使用状态时，弹性元件自动确保定位元件与定位部位接合，无需人工干预。这种自服务机制简化了操作，同时保证了连接的稳定性。
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
Enables secure, one-handed operation for quick folding and opening of the carrier, preventing unwanted pivoting and reducing the risk of bicycle fall or carrier damage, while maintaining structural strength and stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element arranged between the main rod and the connecting rod so that the main rod and the connecting rod tend to retain at the first position
Data Source
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AI summary
A carrier includes a main body, a sliding groove, and a positioning assembly. The positioning assembly is used to quickly fold a main rod and a connecting rod of the main body so as to fold the carrier as possible.