Hitch Rack Wedge Clamp for Anti-Rattle One-Person Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carriers lack efficient mechanisms for securing bicycles during transport, stabilizing them when not in use, and facilitating easy loading and unloading, while also being prone to rattling due to inadequate hitch bar fixation.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrier system featuring a hitch bar with a wedge clamp for secure attachment to a vehicle's trailer hitch receiver, a hinge assembly allowing the post to rotate for easy loading/unloading, and C-hoops for stabilizing bicycles, combined with a damper system to prevent rapid rotation and reduce rattling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional hitch bar attachment is used, then the structure is simple, but the hitch bar rattles during transport due to inadequate fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped component utilizes the rattling motion and insertion force as beneficial elements: when the hitch bar is inserted, the wedge is compressed by the force of insertion and gradually moves into the locked position between the hitch bar and receiver, converting the potentially harmful rattling motion into the useful action of securing the hitch bar in place
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge spring automatically positions the wedge into the locked state without manual intervention. During insertion, the wedge is compressed and naturally slides into the locked position between the hitch bar and receiver, and during removal, the spring automatically releases the wedge from the locked position, making the system self-securing and self-releasing
2Ease of operation
If the post is fixed rigidly to the hitch bar, then structural stability is high, but loading and unloading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly transforms the rigid fixed connection between the post and hitch bar into a dynamic articulated joint that allows controlled rotation. The hinge enables the post to rotate relative to the hitch bar during loading and unloading operations, then stabilizes in the transport position, providing both operational flexibility and structural stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the post and hitch bar is divided into separate movable components through the hinge assembly, allowing independent movement of the post relative to the hitch bar. This segmentation enables the post to be positioned at different angles for loading/unloading while maintaining a stable horizontal configuration for transport
3Ease of operation
If the post rotates freely for easy loading, then operational ease improves, but rapid rotation and rattling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is pre-installed in the hinge assembly to provide automatic damping of rapid rotations and rattling motions. As the post rotates or experiences vibrations during transport, the damper continuously dissipates excess kinetic energy, cushioning against harmful rapid movements before they can cause damage or discomfort
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
The system provides secure transport, easy access for loading/unloading, and reduced rattling, enhancing safety and convenience by stabilizing bicycles and ensuring secure attachment to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp includes wedge that is urged into alignment with the hitch bar by a wedge spring
Implementation Method 2
combined with a damper system to prevent rapid rotation and reduce rattling
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle sports rack includes a hitch bar for insertion into a vehicle trailer hitch receiver. The hitch bar includes a wedge clamp for clamping the hitch bar against the inside walls of the vehicle hitch receiver. The wedge clamp is held in alignment with the hitch bar by a wedge clamp spring before and when the hitch bar is inserted into the trailer hitch receiver, thus making for easier, one-person installation. A hitch bar bolt pulls the wedge clamp out of alignment with the hitch bar when tightened, the non-alignment forming the clamping action. A hitch pin further secures the hitch bar in the vehicle trailer hitch receiver.