Foldable Bicycle Trailer Symmetric Crossbar Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable bicycle trailers face challenges in maintaining the wheels in their original position during folding, which complicates storage and transport, especially through doors, due to complex component arrangements and manual operation of latch locks.
Innovation Solution
A foldable bicycle trailer design featuring symmetric main frames connected by crossbars with piano-hinges and U-shaped elements, allowing for easy folding and unfolding without undue load on components, using lockable and unlockable hinges for simplified operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If latch locks are used to secure crossbars in foldable bicycle trailers, then the structure can maintain stability during use, but manual operation of latch locks is required during folding and unfolding which increases complexity and operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar folding mechanism is designed to automatically lock and unlock during the folding motion itself. The geometry of the crossbar and its connection points creates inherent mechanical locking without requiring separate latch locks or manual intervention, making the system self-servicing during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using locks to prevent folding, the design inverts the approach by using the folding motion itself to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. The crossbar's geometric configuration ensures that folding automatically triggers the lock/unlock sequence, reversing the conventional approach where locks must be manually operated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex component arrangements are used in foldable bicycle trailers, then folding functionality can be achieved, but the complexity of components and their arrangement increases device complexity and operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is divided into multiple segments that can fold relative to each other. Each segment connects through simple hinge joints, allowing the crossbar to collapse into a compact configuration. This segmentation enables folding functionality while keeping each individual component simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and folding functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The crossbar's geometric design combines the structural support function with the folding and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual operation of latch locks is required during folding, then structural stability can be maintained, but loss of time occurs during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The folding mechanism automatically performs the locking and unlocking operations during the folding motion itself. The crossbar's geometric configuration ensures that as it folds, the locking mechanism engages or disengages automatically without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the time loss associated with manual latch operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured in the crossbar geometry so that the locking action occurs automatically as part of the folding motion sequence. The design ensures that the lock engages before the fold is complete and disengages as the fold begins, performing the locking action in advance of when it would traditionally be needed.
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
Enables effortless folding and unfolding of the trailer while keeping the wheels in place, facilitating safe transport and storage without manual intervention, reducing the complexity and stress on components during these operations.
Implementation Method 1
The foldable segments of the foldable arms of each of first and second elements are connected by hinges
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable bicycle trailer has at least two main frames (1,2) disposed symmetrically about a central plane. These are connected by crossbars. The frames (1,2) stand on wheels (21,22) or on any other movable interface on its either side. The crossbars comprise a first element which is substantially flat in unfolded state, having at least two parallel foldable arms (9a, 10a) and a second element which is substantially upright in unfolded stage, also having at least two parallel foldable arms (11a, 12a). The foldable arms (9a, 10a, 11a, 12a) of each of first and second elements are connected by hinges (5, 6, 7,8) for connecting the foldable segments of each foldable arm.