Collapsible Bicycle Rack Vertical Stacking and Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle racks consume excessive space and are cumbersome to collapse when not in use, often requiring removal from the vehicle and limiting compatibility with different bicycle types due to engagement with the fork crown and inefficient horizontal alignment.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible bicycle rack design that allows four bicycles to be carried vertically with at least one upside down, featuring a main support bar, staggered rear wheel holders, and angled front wheel holders, enabling easy collapse into a compact configuration without removal from the vehicle by rotating the upper and lower support arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If bicycles are carried side-by-side in horizontal alignment, then the rack can transport multiple bicycles, but it consumes a relatively large amount of space and creates overhang at the rear of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal side-by-side bicycle arrangement to a vertical stacking configuration where bicycles are carried one above another. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical orientation significantly reduces the horizontal space consumption and overhang at the rear of the vehicle while maintaining the capacity to transport multiple bicycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where bicycles are stacked vertically with each bicycle positioned above the other, similar to nested dolls. The upper bicycle is supported by the lower bicycle through strategically positioned contact points, allowing compact vertical arrangement that minimizes overall space requirements
2Reliability
If the bicycle rack engages the fork crown of the bicycle, then the rack can securely hold bicycles, but it is limited to carrying only certain types of bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the engagement mechanism from the fork crown area and instead uses contact points on the bicycle frame and wheels. This extraction of the engagement point allows the rack to accommodate various bicycle types including those with different fork crown designs, while maintaining secure holding through alternative contact points on the frame and wheel rims
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal contact points that can accommodate multiple bicycle types through a single rack configuration. The contact points are positioned to work with various frame geometries and wheel sizes, making the rack adaptable to different bicycle styles without requiring adjustment or modification
3Reliability
If a series of time-consuming and often cumbersome manipulations are required to attach and detach bicycles, then the rack can securely hold bicycles, but the attachment and detachment process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-aligning contact points that automatically position themselves to engage with the bicycle frame and wheels when the bicycle is placed on the rack. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment or complex manipulation steps, allowing users to simply lift and place the bicycle while the rack handles the secure engagement automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-positions the contact points and support structures in optimal locations before the bicycle is loaded. The contact points are already oriented and spaced to match common bicycle geometries, so when the bicycle is placed on the rack, the engagement occurs immediately without requiring additional manipulation or adjustment steps
4Ease of operation
If the bicycle rack is not collapsed when no bicycles are being carried, then the structure remains ready for use, but it occupies excessive space and is not space-efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collapsible rack structure where the support arms and contact points can be folded or retracted when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the rack to transition between an expanded ready-to-use state and a compact stored state, significantly improving space efficiency during transport or storage while maintaining operational readiness when needed
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
The design conserves space by allowing bicycles to be nested closer together, reduces overhang, and facilitates easy attachment and detachment of bicycles with minimal manipulation, accommodating various bicycle sizes and types while maintaining a compact folded configuration.
Implementation Method 1
A linking arm extends along the vertical main support bar from a pivot pin that runs through the upper linking arm support gusset at the top of the main support bar to a linking pin that runs through the lower linking arm support gusset. When it is desirable to collapse the bicycle rack to its compact folded configuration, a downward pushing force is applied to the outstretched upper front wheel support basket to cause the support basket to rotate downwardly towards the vertical main support bar. The rotation of the front wheel support basket causes a linear force to be applied to the linking arm that extends between the pivot pin through the upper linking arm support gusset and the linking pin through the lower linking arm support gusset.
Implementation Method 2
The rotation of the front wheel support basket causes a linear force to be applied to the linking arm that extends between the pivot pin through the upper linking arm support gusset and the linking pin through the lower linking arm support gusset. Accordingly, the upper and lower linking arm support gussets rotate in opposite directions to impart a rotation to the outstretched lower rear wheel support arm, whereby the rear wheel support arm rotates upwardly towards the vertical main support bar.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible bicycle rack to be transported at the rear of a motor vehicle for carrying bicycles that are suspended vertically and upside down relative to one another. The bicycle rack includes a vertical main support bar. An upper front wheel support basket is pivotally coupled to the main support bar to receive and retain the front wheels of the bicycles. A lower rear wheel support arm is pivotally coupled to the main support bar below the upper front wheel support basket to receive the rear wheels of the bicycles. The upper front wheel support basket and the lower rear wheel support arm are simultaneously rotated from an expanded deployed configuration extending outwardly from the vertical main support bar to a compact folded configuration lying generally side-by-side the vertical main support bar.