Foldable Bicycle Carry Rack Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle carry racks occupy excessive space when not in use, particularly in urban areas, due to their fixed horizontal support members.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bicycle carry rack design featuring a pivotable support member and plates connected via a pivot unit, allowing the support member to be folded parallel to the frame, reducing occupied space through a simple operation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support member is fixed horizontally to carry bicycles, then the carrying function is improved, but the occupied space when not in use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one through the pivot unit connection. The support member can rotate between a horizontal position (when carrying bicycles) and a vertical/folded position (when not in use), allowing the rack to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the same structure to serve both carrying and space-saving functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the support member and frame is segmented through the introduction of the pivot unit and connection member assembly. This segmentation allows independent movement of the support member relative to the frame, enabling the support member to be folded without moving the entire rack structure. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the carrying function to be activated only when needed while minimizing occupied space during storage.
2Area of stationary object
If the support member is made foldable to reduce occupied space, then the storage convenience is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed with nested passages (first passage, second passage, third passage) that accommodate the pivot unit and operation member components. The plates are positioned within the connection member structure, and the pivot unit extends through multiple components in a nested arrangement. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact integrated assembly, reducing the overall structural complexity despite the added folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection member acts as an intermediary component between the frame and support member, housing the pivot unit and operation member mechanisms. This intermediary structure organizes the complex folding mechanism into a manageable module that can be easily installed and operated, reducing the perceived structural complexity while enabling the foldable function.
3Ease of operation
If an operation mechanism is added to enable folding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation member is designed to be removable and simple in form, allowing users to easily insert or remove it to achieve folding or locking of the support member. The gravity-assisted folding mechanism means that once the operation member is removed, the support member automatically folds down without requiring additional force or complex actuation. This self-service approach simplifies the user interaction while keeping the mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex actuation mechanism to actively fold the support member, the design inverts the approach: the support member is designed to fold passively under gravity when the operation member is removed, and the operation member's sole function is to lock it in the extended position. This inversion of the conventional approach (where locking is passive and unlocking is active) simplifies the operation mechanism while maintaining ease of use.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bicycle carry rack includes a frame, a support member, a connection member and two plates. The support member is connected to the first end of the frame. The connection member has an installation hole to receive the first end of the frame and the two plates are connected to two sides of the connection member. Each plate has a first end protruding from the connection member and the support member is connected to the two respective first ends of the two plates. The plates and the support member are synchronically pivoted about a pivot unit which extends through the plates, the connection member and the frame. The plates and the support member are pivoted about the pivot unit until the plates and the support member are parallel to the frame to fold the bicycle carry rack.