Folding Bicycle Frame With Hinge Plate And Cam Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycles with unibody frames present challenges in storage and transport due to their inflexible structure, necessitating the development of foldable bicycles that can minimize volume and facilitate easy carrying.
Innovation Solution
A folding bicycle design featuring a frame with pivotally coupled front, center, and rear frames, equipped with hinge plates, cam members, and a fixing unit to allow for easy folding and storage, along with integrated components like an electric generator, motor, battery, and electronic control unit for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a unibody frame structure is used, then the bicycle has high structural strength and stability, but it is difficult to fold and store
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate frame members (first frame member, second frame member, third frame member, fourth frame member) that can be pivotally coupled together. This segmentation allows the frame to be folded while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, resolving the contradiction between stability and foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure transitions from a static unibody design to a dynamic articulated structure with pivot joints. The frame members can rotate relative to each other around pivot axes, enabling the bicycle to change from an extended riding configuration to a compact folded configuration, thus achieving both stability during use and adaptability for storage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made foldable, then storage and transport convenience is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple frame members are pivotally coupled together to form an integrated articulated frame structure. The coupling mechanism combines several frame segments into a unified structure that functions as a single coherent unit during riding, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame employs dynamic pivot joints that allow controlled movement between frame members. These joints provide deterministic folding paths and stable locked positions, reducing the complexity of control while enabling the folding function. The dynamic structure automatically maintains proper geometry during both extended and folded states.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple frame members are pivotally coupled, then the bicycle can be folded to minimize volume, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed with asymmetric coupling configurations where pivot axes are positioned at specific locations to create a natural folding sequence. This asymmetric design allows the frame to collapse in a controlled manner toward a compact configuration, minimizing the effort required to fold the bicycle while achieving minimal folded volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joints are designed to provide smooth rotational movement with minimal friction, allowing the frame members to pivot easily during folding and unfolding operations. The dynamic characteristics of the joints enable the operator to fold the bicycle with simple manual effort while ensuring stable locked positions during both extended and folded states.
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 easy folding and storage, minimizes volume, and allows convenient carrying while maintaining operational functionality, including energy generation and motor assistance.
Implementation Method 1
the front, center, and rear frames are pivotally coupled through the hinge plate
Implementation Method 2
The fixing unit includes a first cam member having a first mountain portion protruded from one surface of the first cam member, and a first valley portion formed at the surface of the first cam member while being adjacent to the first mountain portion, and a second cam member having a second valley portion formed at one surface of the second cam member, to engage with the first mountain portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A folding type bicycle capable of allowing the user to conveniently fold the bicycle, and having a minimal volume in a folded state is disclosed. The folding type bicycle includes a frame including a front frame, to which a front wheel and a handle are mounted, a center frame, to which pedals are mounted, and a rear frame, to which a rear wheel is mounted. At least one of the front, center, and rear frames includes a hinge plate bent from one end of the at least one frame. The front, center, and rear frames are pivotally coupled through the hinge plate.