Foldable Bicycle Rack Positioning Structure for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle racks are inconvenient to store due to their large volume when disassembled, as the supporting rods protrude laterally, making them difficult to deposit both in vehicles and indoors.
Innovation Solution
A foldable positioning structure for a bicycle rack incorporating a fixing member, an elastic assembly, and a controlling assembly that allows the rack to be quickly folded by moving the fixing member between positions, enabling the movable members to swing relative to the fixing rod and then be restricted, thereby collapsing the rack to a smaller volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bicycle rack uses a conventional fixing structure with supporting rods extending laterally, then the rack provides stable support for bicycles, but the rack occupies large volume and is inconvenient to store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the fixing member movable between a first position (for securing the bicycle rack to the automobile) and a second position (for releasing the bicycle rack). This dynamic positioning system allows the rack to transition between functional and storage states, reducing storage volume while maintaining support stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fixing rod into multiple movable members (first movable member and second movable member) that can independently move between positions. This segmentation allows different parts of the rack to be positioned independently, enabling compact folding for storage while maintaining structural integrity during use
2Ease of manufacture
If the bicycle rack uses a simple fixing structure, then the rack is easy to manufacture, but the rack cannot be quickly folded to smallest volume for convenient storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the elastic assembly that automatically pushes the fixing member to the first position after the controlling member is released. This self-returning mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation to return the rack to its functional position, making operation convenient while maintaining a relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controlling member as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's manual input and the fixing member's movement. The controlling member transmits force to move the fixing member between positions and triggers the elastic assembly to return the system to its initial state, simplifying the overall operation while enabling quick folding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The foldable structure allows the bicycle rack to be conveniently stored by collapsing into a smaller volume, simplifying operation and storage, while maintaining stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic assembly (3), one end of the elastic assembly (3) is assembled to the fixing rod (81), the other end of the elastic assembly (3) is assembled to the fixing member (2)
Implementation Method 2
the other end of the pivot member (41) is pivoted to the controlling member (42)
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable positioning structure for a bicycle rack includes a fixing member movable between first and second positions, an elastic assembly and a controlling assembly for being assembled to the fixing rod. The elastic assembly is assembled to a fixing rod and the fixing member so as to restrict the fixing member in the first position normally. The controlling assembly is movable between third and fourth position relative to the fixing rod and includes a pivot member and a controlling member, the pivot member is assembled to the fixing rod and pivoted to the controlling member, a free end of the controlling member is assembled to the fixing member. The fixing member is selectively restricted or nonrestricted by the movable member so that the movable member is swingable or nonswingable relative to the fixing rod.