Hinge Mechanism for Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hitch-mounted cargo carriers are bulky, take up excessive space, provide insufficient support for cargo, and complicate vehicle maneuverability, with existing solutions often requiring multiple people or removal for repositioning, and can cause damage to bicycles during transport.
Innovation Solution
A bike carrier assembly with a hinge mechanism that attaches to the rear of a vehicle, featuring a hitch bar, carrier member, and fulcrum bracket, allowing the carrier to pivot between an upward, straight, and lower position, with a locking feature for secure positioning, enabling easy configuration between in-use and storage positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If hitch-mounted carriers are designed to support multiple bicycles, then cargo capacity is improved, but space occupation and vehicle maneuverability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hinge mechanism that allows the carrier to dynamically change its position between a horizontal in-use position for transporting bicycles and a vertical storage position that minimizes space occupation. This dynamic transformation enables the carrier to adapt its configuration based on whether it is being used for cargo transport or vehicle maneuvering, effectively resolving the contradiction between cargo capacity and space occupation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hitch-mounted carriers are used, then cargo transport capability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to difficulty in repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables easy repositioning of the carrier between horizontal and vertical positions through a simple pivoting motion, eliminating the need for complex assembly/disassembly operations. This dynamic design allows a single user to easily reposition the carrier, directly addressing the ease of operation concern while maintaining cargo transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design includes self-aligning features and intuitive operation mechanisms that allow the user to easily reposition the carrier without requiring technical expertise or assistance from multiple people. The hinge mechanism naturally guides the carrier through its motion path, making the repositioning process straightforward and user-friendly.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical mast type bike carriers are used, then space occupation is reduced, but cargo safety is worsened due to increased damage susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism allows the carrier to maintain a horizontal position during bicycle transport, providing stable support and minimizing damage risk, while transitioning to a vertical position only when space reduction is needed. This dynamic positioning ensures that bicycles are always supported in the safest orientation during transport, avoiding the damage risks associated with vertical mast-type carriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design incorporates protective features and stable horizontal positioning that prevent bicycle damage before it can occur during transport. By maintaining a stable horizontal configuration with proper support points, the design preemptively protects bicycles from the impacts and instability that plague vertical mast-type carriers.
4Ease of operation
If hinge mechanisms are added to allow pivoting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed as a simple, single-degree-of-freedom joint that enables pivoting between horizontal and vertical positions without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems. This straightforward mechanical design achieves the desired dynamic functionality while minimizing added complexity, making the mechanism easy to manufacture and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a hinge mechanism for a cargo accessory as shown and described. The hinge mechanism may include a linkage selectively attachable to a vehicle, and a cargo accessory carrying member pivotally attached to the linkage, where the cargo accessory carrying member is capable of being pivoted between a straight position, an upward position, and a drop position. The hinge mechanism may also include a guide member and guide apertures wherein the guide member may be selectively positioned within the guide apertures permitting pivoting of the cargo accessory carrying member relative to the linkage.