Dual-Axis Swivel Hinge for Compact Bicycle Frame Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding bicycles often result in a high thickness when folded, especially with side-by-side wheel positioning, limiting compactness and speed, while existing solutions either require wheel removal or are impractical for storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A dual-axis swivel hinge system that allows the frame to fold in the symmetry plane with the front wheel removed and expand beyond it with both wheels installed, utilizing a pivot-connected dual-axis swivel with fixed vertical and horizontal axes for compact folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bicycle folds perpendicularly to the frame plane with wheels positioned side by side, then the folding mechanism is simple, but the thickness of the folded bicycle becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-axis swivel mechanism that enables folding in two different directions: perpendicular to the frame plane (first axis) and parallel to the frame plane (second axis). This dimensional change allows the bicycle to achieve compact thickness by folding parallel to the frame plane when the front wheel is removed, while maintaining the ability to fold perpendicularly when both wheels are installed.
2Volume of moving object
If the bicycle uses umbrella style folding, then the folding compactness is improved, but small wheels are required which makes high speeds impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic folding system where the swivel mechanism can adapt its folding behavior based on wheel configuration. When full-size wheels are installed, the bicycle folds perpendicularly to the frame plane, maintaining speed capability. When the front wheel is removed, the bicycle can fold parallel to the frame plane to achieve greater compactness, eliminating the need for small wheels.
3Volume of moving object
If the bicycle folds in the frame plane with front wheel removed, then the folded size is small, but the folding process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis swivel mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables both perpendicular folding (when both wheels are installed) and parallel folding (when front wheel is removed). This multi-functionality allows the user to choose the appropriate folding method based on the situation, maintaining ease of operation while achieving compact folded size when needed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the bicycle maintains both wheels installed during folding, then the versatility is improved, but the folded width becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the bicycle to fold in two dimensions: perpendicular to the frame plane (first axis) and parallel to the frame plane (second axis). When both wheels are installed, the bicycle folds perpendicularly, maintaining versatility. The parallel folding capability becomes available when the front wheel is removed, achieving compact width while preserving the option to fold with wheels installed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention concerns the folding frame of a two-wheel vehicle. The two-wheel vehicle frame has front section of the frame (1) and rear section of the frame (2) connected by a dual-axis swivel (3) having two axes that are fixed to each other: the vertical axis of rotation (4), which is in the same plane as the axis of rotation of the front wheel fork (12) and, at the same tame, is within the symmetry plane of the rear section of the frame (2) or the symmetry plane of the rear wheel or rear tyre, and the horizontal axis of rotation (5), which is perpendicular to the symmetry plane of the rear section of the frame (2) or the symmetry plane of the rear wheel or rear tyre. The two-wheel vehicle frame according to the invention allows the compact folding of a vehicle.