One-Hand Latching Assembly for Folding Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bicycle carriers require either separate unlocking of locking devices or the use of two hands to transition from a locked extended position to a folded storage position, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A folding carrier design featuring a U-shaped main frame with pivotally mounted carrying and supporting members, equipped with a latching assembly using spring-loaded engaging pins and triggers that allow a user to disengage the pins from their locked engagement using one hand, enabling easy conversion between operational and storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spaced apart locking devices are used to secure the carrier in extended position, then the carrier achieves reliable locking, but the user must use two hands or separately manipulate multiple locking devices to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking devices into a single integrated latching assembly that simultaneously engages both carrying arms. The assembly includes a first latch for one carrying arm and a second latch for the other carrying arm, both operated by a single trigger mechanism. This merging allows the user to unlock both sides simultaneously with one hand while maintaining reliable locking of both arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly is segmented into independent latch components (first latch and second latch) that can be independently positioned on the brackets, yet are operatively connected through the trigger mechanism. This segmentation allows each latch to securely engage its respective carrying arm while being controlled by a unified operating system.
2Reliability
If multiple separate locking devices are provided for each carrying arm, then each arm can be independently secured, but the device complexity increases and requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single latching assembly that contains both the first latch and second latch. Instead of providing completely separate locking devices for each carrying arm, the assembly integrates both latches with a shared trigger mechanism, reducing the total number of components while maintaining independent securing capability for each arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it locks both carrying arms, provides independent positioning on each bracket, and is operated by a single trigger. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate operating mechanisms for each arm.
3Reliability
If the locking devices are spaced apart to accommodate the width of the carrier, then the carrier can be securely locked in extended position, but the triggers must be spaced apart requiring two hands to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism acts as an intermediary that connects the spaced-apart latches. Although the latches are positioned far apart to secure the wide carrier, the trigger assembly provides a mechanical linkage or flexible connection that allows a user to operate both latches simultaneously with one hand. The intermediary trigger mechanism bridges the distance between the two locking points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial separation issue by introducing a third dimension through the trigger mechanism's configuration. The triggers can be arranged in a configuration that allows one-handed operation (such as overlapping or nested arrangements) while the latches remain spaced apart horizontally to secure the carrier width. This dimensional reorganization allows both wide spacing for security and close spacing for ease of operation.
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 a user to easily and efficiently switch the carrier from a locked extended position to a folded storage position using one hand, improving convenience and usability compared to prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
The latching assembly included a pair of spring loaded engaging pins. One engaging pin is configured to be moved into lockingly engagement with the latches in one of the second brackets and the other engaging pin is configured to be moved into lockingly engagement with the latch in the other second bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal folding carrier for carrying objects on tailgates of pickup trucks and trunk lids of automobiles or the like has a substantially U-shaped frame, a substantially U-shaped carrying member and a substantially U-shaped supporting member. The folding carrier is movable between a folded or storage position and a locked extended or operational position. The carrying arm is pivotally mounted to the frame and the supporting member is pivotally mounted to the frame. A latching assembly includes a pair of first brackets. The first brackets are mounted on opposite sides of the frame. A pair of second brackets is mounted to opposite sides of the carrying member, each second bracket having a ramp portion and a latch. A latching assembly with first and second latching members is mounted to the first brackets. Each latching member has an engaging pin, the engaging pins extending from opposite ends of the latching members. The first latching member includes a first trigger assembly and the second latching member includes a second trigger assembly, the trigger assemblies being urged apart by a spring. The engaging pins are position for locked engagement with the latches when the folding carrier is in its extended position. The trigger assemblies are spaced apart a distance that permits a user using one hand to move the trigger assemblies towards one another for disengaging the engaging pins from the latches so that the folding carrier can be moved from its locked extended position to its folded position.