Foldable Bicycle Asymmetric Hinge Compact Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional folding bicycles occupy large footprints due to aligned wheel axles and non-self-supporting designs, making them inconvenient for transport on buses and trains, and storage in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bicycle design with a compact, self-supporting structure that allows for quick folding and unfolding, featuring a main frame hinge and steering tube pivot axis at specific angles, enabling the bicycle to be rolled upright with a small footprint, and utilizing a rear rack with roller wheels for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional folding bicycles use aligned wheel axles and non-self-supporting design, then the folding mechanism is simple, but the footprint area becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the front wheel at an angle relative to the main frame rather than aligning it with the wheel axles. This angular arrangement allows the front wheel to nestle closer to the rear wheel when folded, significantly reducing the footprint area while maintaining a relatively simple folding mechanism. The asymmetric geometry enables compact storage without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional folding bicycles are designed to fold compactly, then the folded size is reduced, but the stability and self-support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support stand that acts as a mediator between the folded bicycle and the ground. This support stand provides the necessary stability and self-support capability without interfering with the compact folded size. The support stand serves as a temporary structural intermediary that enables the bicycle to stand upright securely while maintaining its compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensional change by employing a support stand that extends vertically from the folded bicycle structure. This adds a vertical dimension to provide stability without increasing the horizontal footprint. The support stand projects upward to create a stable base of support, allowing the bicycle to stand self-supported while maintaining its compact folded dimensions in the horizontal plane.
3Ease of operation
If conventional folding bicycles are designed for compact folding, then the transport convenience is improved, but the folding speed and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the frame geometry and hinge positions during manufacturing. The main frame hinge, steering tube pivot axis, and front wheel mounting are pre-positioned at specific angles that naturally guide the folding motion. This preliminary geometric configuration enables quick and intuitive folding without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple adjustment steps, significantly reducing folding time while maintaining transport convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by utilizing the natural motion paths created by the angular geometry of the frame and hinges. The steering tube pivot axis and main frame hinge are positioned to create smooth, predictable folding arcs that allow the bicycle to fold quickly and easily. This dynamic design allows the folding process to flow naturally along predetermined paths, reducing the time and effort required while improving ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A vehicle configured for conversion between expanded and folded arrangements, comprising: a front wheel (111) having a circumference defining a front vertical longitudinal plane and an axle defining a front vertical transverse plane orthogonal to the front vertical longitudinal plane; a rear wheel (109) having a circumference defining a rear vertical longitudinal plane and an axle defining a rear vertical transverse plane orthogonal to the rear vertical longitudinal plane; a main frame member (102) having forward and rearward portions extending between the front wheel (111) and the rear wheel (109) and including a head tube (104) formed at a distal end of the forward portion and a seat tube (105) formed at a distal end of the rearward portion; and a hinge coupling (103) enabling relative pivoting of the forward and rearward portions about a main frame pivot axis extending at an acute angle relative to the rear vertical transverse plane and at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane orthogonal to both the rear vertical longitudinal and rear vertical transverse planes.