Collapsible Bike Rack Trailer With Wheels to Reduce Vehicle Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo transport devices lack collapsible frames and wheels, making them inconvenient to store and move, and often place excessive strain on vehicles when transporting bicycles and other cargo.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a collapsible and expandable frame, equipped with wheels and a hitching system for easy attachment to vehicles, allowing for reversible and convenient transport of cargo, including bicycles, by using telescoping elements and locking mechanisms for configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed frame structure is used for cargo transport devices, then structural strength and stability are improved, but storage convenience and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to transform between an extended configuration for cargo transport and a collapsed configuration for storage. The telescoping elements enable the frame to adjust its length and shape based on operational needs, providing both structural integrity during use and compactness for storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can move independently relative to each other. These segmented elements allow the frame to collapse into a compact form for storage while maintaining full length and structural strength when extended for cargo transport.
2Device complexity
If cargo transport devices are designed without wheels, then structural simplicity is improved, but mobility and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two functional modes: when collapsed, it functions as a portable unit that can be easily moved by hand; when extended and equipped with wheels, it functions as a mobile cargo platform that can roll autonomously. The wheels are integrated into the frame structure, appearing only when needed for transport.
3Device complexity
If the full weight of the device and cargo is supported by the vehicle attachment point, then connection simplicity is improved, but vehicle strain and potential damage deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels provide a counterbalancing support mechanism that offsets the weight of the device and cargo. When the device is in its extended transport configuration, the wheels contact the ground and bear the majority of the weight, significantly reducing the force transmitted to the vehicle's attachment point and preventing excessive strain.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention contemplates an apparatus for, and methods of, conveniently transporting cargo by holding cargo securely in a way using a transport apparatus that can be coupled to a vehicle, for easy and convenient transport of the cargo. The invention contemplates a transport apparatus that is capable of horizontal, vertical, telescoping, and/or rotational collapse and/or expansion. The invention contemplates wheels on a collapsed transport apparatus that make moving from place to place very convenient, whether the transport apparatus is expanded or collapsed. Embodiments can be used to secure and transport cargo such as bicycles. Embodiments of the invention allow coupling of a transport apparatus to a vehicle by use of a standard ball joint and/or trailer hitch. Other embodiments could comprise a trailer connection attachment, which can be used to couple a transport apparatus to a vehicle in cases where the vehicle lacks its own trailer hitch.