Cross-Oriented Bicycle Rack Cradle Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing bicycle rack cradle designs face difficulties in securing straps due to obstruction by the rack extension arm, making it challenging to fasten and remove the straps efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A cross-oriented cradle design with latches positioned on opposite sides of the vertical axis, allowing the strap ends to protrude to the sides of the rack extension arm instead of directly on top, facilitating easier attachment and avoiding obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the strap is attached parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cradle, then the strap can be secured to the latch, but the ends of the strap protrude downward and are obstructed by the rack extension arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap securementVSAvoidstrap attachment and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is inverted or rotated 180 degrees so that the saddle is positioned below the through-hole instead of above it. This inversion changes the orientation of the latches from extending downward to extending upward or sideways, allowing the strap ends to protrude to the sides of the rack extension arm rather than being obstructed by them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The latches are repositioned from a vertical arrangement (extending downward from the cradle) to a horizontal or lateral arrangement (extending to the sides). This dimensional change in latch orientation allows the strap ends to clear the rack extension arm while maintaining securement function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the latches are positioned on the cradle, then the strap can be fastened to secure the bicycle, but the strap ends are obstructed by the rack extension arm making fastening and removal difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebicycle securementVSAvoidtime to fasten and remove strap

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The entire cradle assembly is inverted, which reverses the orientation of the latches relative to the rack extension arm. This inversion allows the strap ends to clear the obstruction and be manipulated more easily during fastening and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cradle design creates an asymmetric configuration where the latches are positioned at specific locations relative to the through-hole and saddle, with the latches extending in a direction that avoids the rack extension arm obstruction. This asymmetric latch placement optimizes the path of the strap ends.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cradle is oriented with the saddle above the through-hole, then the bicycle tube can be received on the saddle, but the strap ends abut against the rack extension arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebicycle tube receptionVSAvoidstrap abutment obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is inverted so that the saddle is positioned below the through-hole instead of above it. This inversion simultaneously maintains the ability to receive the bicycle tube on the saddle while changing the latch orientation to prevent strap abutment against the rack extension arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS8336747B2Bicycle rack with cross oriented bicycle cradle

Publication Date: 2012.12.25 THULE SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A bicycle rack includes at least one arm and a cradle installed on the arm for receiving a bicycle thereon. The cradle has a body including a through-hole extending through the longitudinal length of the body. The through-hole is sized to be received by the arm of a bicycle rack. A saddle extending along a length of the longitudinal body is positioned above the through-hole and has a top surface for receiving a tube of a bicycle. The saddle is oriented cross-ways to the longitudinal axis of the through-hole. The top surface of the saddle can increase in dimension on one side of a vertical axis of the through-hole and decreases in dimension on the other side of the vertical axis as the saddle extends toward each end of the longitudinal body. A latch is positioned on opposite sides of the vertical axis at either end of the saddle.