Segmented Bicycle Frame with Locking Mechanism for Compact Folding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding bicycle designs are structurally weak and inefficient in compacting into a small shape, leading to potential premature failure and storage challenges.

Innovation Solution

A compactable bicycle design featuring a frame with a locking mechanism and pivot connections that allow the frame portions to align and fold, using a combination of tubular members with projections and slots for translational movement, and a locking mechanism with a hook member to secure the rear frame in use or folded positions, enabling compact storage while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional folding bicycle designs are used, then the bicycle can be folded for storage, but the structural strength is compromised and the frame is at risk of premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidframe strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple segments (first frame portion and second frame portion) that can be locked together in a straight configuration or separated for folding. This segmentation allows the bicycle to maintain full frame strength when locked in use position while enabling compact folding when separated, resolving the contradiction between folding capability and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism provides dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the frame portions to transition between a locked straight configuration (for strength during use) and an unlocked separated configuration (for folding during storage). This dynamic state change enables the bicycle to adapt between requiring maximum structural integrity and requiring compact portability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional folding bicycle designs are used, then the bicycle can be folded, but it does not fold into a relatively compact shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidfolded size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second frame portion is designed to nest within or alongside the first frame portion when folded, with the rear wheel positioning strategically allowing compact arrangement. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume of the folded bicycle, enabling it to occupy significantly less storage space compared to traditional folding designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If the frame portions are aligned and locked together, then structural strength is improved, but the bicycle cannot be folded for compact storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe strengthVSAvoidfolding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Volume of moving object

If the front wheel support is movable between use and storage positions, then compactness is improved, but the alignment precision between end faces may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded sizeVSAvoidend face alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second end faces are designed with self-aligning features that automatically ensure proper alignment when the front wheel support is in the use position. The geometry of the connecting tubes and end faces creates natural alignment constraints, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and ensuring consistent alignment precision without compromising the self-aligning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3191360B1Compactable bicycle

Publication Date: 2020.08.05 BOUTAKIS PETER

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1f

AI summary

In an aspect, a compactable bicycle is provided, comprising a frame, a locking mechanism, a first bicycle wheel and a second bicycle wheel. The frame includes a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The first frame portion includes a first tube having an inner surface and the second frame portion includes a second tube having an inner surface. The first and second frame portions are arrangeable together in a use position in which the first and second tubes are aligned with one another. The locking mechanism includes a base member, an expandable member mounted to the base member, and a driver that is movable to releasably drive expansion of the expandable member against the inner surfaces of the first and second tubes to releasably lock the first and second frame portions together in the use position. The first and second wheels are mounted to the frame.