Compact Folding Bicycle Carrier Nested Articulated Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bicycle carriers are bulky and cumbersome to carry when folded, and they occupy significant retail shelf space, making them inconvenient for storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A compact folding bicycle carrier with a T-shaped frame, a folding lower foot member, and articulated carrying members that can be easily folded into a small configuration, featuring pivotally movable parts and a thermoplastic elastomer construction for reduced size and enhanced portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art folding bicycle carriers are designed with extending carrying arms and lower foot members, then they can carry one or more bicycles, but the overall configuration becomes bulky and cumbersome when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying arms are designed to nest within the T-shaped frame structure when folded, with the arms inserting into hollow portions of the frame. The lower foot members similarly fold parallel to the elongated body and can be positioned within the frame structure, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes volume while maintaining carrying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier employs multiple pivot points and movable joints that allow the structure to dynamically transform between extended carrying configuration and compact folded configuration. The lower foot members can pivot between parallel and angled positions, while carrying arms can rotate and fold along articulated joints, enabling adaptive volume reduction without compromising structural integrity.
2Strength
If prior art folding bicycle carriers are constructed with sufficient structural strength, then they can support bicycles, but they require significant retail shelf space for packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier components are designed to nest within each other when folded, with carrying arms inserting into frame hollow sections and lower foot members positioning within the overall frame structure. This nesting arrangement creates a compact package that minimizes retail shelf space requirements while maintaining structural strength through the T-shaped frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower foot members are designed to fold parallel to the elongated body rather than extending perpendicular to it, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the frame for storage. This dimensional optimization allows the carrier to achieve a more compact footprint suitable for retail packaging while preserving the necessary support structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If prior art folding bicycle carriers are made with rigid structures for stability, then they can maintain operational stability, but they become difficult to carry and store
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier utilizes multiple pivot points and articulated joints that allow the structure to dynamically adapt between stable operational configuration and compact portable configuration. The lower foot members pivot on pinned connections allowing smooth transition between parallel folded position and extended operational position. Carrying arms feature articulated joints enabling rotation and folding while maintaining structural stability when extended for bicycle carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is divided into segmented components including the T-shaped frame, lower foot members, and articulated carrying arms that can independently fold and pivot. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for both stability when extended and compactness when folded, with the T-shaped frame providing structural backbone and the movable segments enabling portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact folding bicycle carrier has a frame, a folding lower foot member and a pair of folding articulated upper carrying members. The lower foot member is pivotally mounted to a lower end of the frame and constrained for limited movement relative thereto. Each articulated carrying member has a supporting arm and a carrying arm. One end of each supporting arm is pivotally mounted to an upper end of the frame at opposite sides thereof. Each carrying arm is associated with one supporting arm. Each carrying arm has a cradle for holding a bicycle adjacent one end and an upper foot at the other end. Each carrying arm, between the cradle and the upper foot, is pivotally mounted to its respective supporting arm. The supporting arms are constrained for limited movement relative to the frame and each carrying arm is constrained for limited movement relative to its respective supporting arm.