Fork Mount Carrier With Interchangeable Inserts for Through-Axle Bikes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of different bicycle designs, particularly the shift from quick release skewers to through-axle systems, has increased the demand for bicycle carriers that can accommodate various configurations, but existing solutions often struggle to securely mount bicycles with diverse front fork styles and dimensions on vehicle rooftop racks.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrier system featuring a fork mount with interchangeable inserts and a skewer or through-axle, along with a tail mount that includes a wheel clamp assembly, allowing for secure attachment of bicycles with both quick release and through-axle style front forks to vehicle rooftop racks, accommodating different bicycle configurations and crossbar spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed fork mount design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different bicycle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The fork mount is divided into modular components: a base structure with interchangeable inserts that can be swapped to accommodate different bicycle fork types (quick release, through-axle, different diameters). This segmentation allows the same base mount to work with multiple bicycle configurations by simply changing the insert component.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork mount base is designed as a universal platform that can secure various bicycle fork types through interchangeable inserts. The single base structure serves multiple functions by accepting different insert types, making it compatible with both quick release skewers and through-axle systems of various dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable inserts and skewers are provided, then compatibility with different bicycles is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fork mount into a permanent base structure and removable interchangeable inserts/skewers. This allows the majority of the mount (the base) to remain fixed, while only small, lightweight inserts need to be swapped for different bicycle types, minimizing the quantity of components that must be transported and managed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork mount transitions from a static, fixed-design mount to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where inserts and skewers can be quickly exchanged. This dynamic capability allows the same physical mount to adapt to different bicycle configurations without requiring multiple complete mount sets.
3Reliability
If a secure clamp mechanism is used, then the bicycle is held firmly, but the installation and removal process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inserts are pre-configured with specific geometries and engagement features that automatically align with corresponding features on the bicycle fork and skewer. This preliminary design of the insertion interface allows for tool-free, quick installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment through precise mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interchangeable inserts act as intermediaries between the fixed fork mount base and the bicycle skewer/through-axle. These inserts provide a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, allowing secure attachment through a single insertion motion rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle carrier for securing a bicycle on top of a vehicle is disclosed, including a fork mount and a tail mount. The fork mount is configured to clamp a first crossbar of the vehicle, while the tail mount is configured to clamp a second crossbar of the vehicle. The fork mount includes a passage and a pair of inserts configured to be secured at opposing ends of the passage. A skewer is configured to protrude through apertures in a front fork of a bicycle, through the pair of inserts, and through the passage to secure the front fork to the fork mount.