Hydraulic E-Bike Carrier With Sliding Hitch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bike carriers are not optimized for the heavier weight of electric bicycles, requiring manual lifting that can lead to physical strain and injuries, especially for elderly individuals or those with physical disabilities. Additionally, existing carriers often require detachment from the vehicle for access and take up significant space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted bike carrier equipped with a hydraulic lifting mechanism, a sliding hitch for convenient access, and foldable cradles for easy storage. The hydraulic system eliminates the need for manual lifting, the sliding hitch allows access without detachment, and the foldable design compacts the carrier for efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional bike carriers are used for e-bikes, then the carrier structure remains simple, but manual lifting becomes difficult and dangerous due to heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic lifting mechanism with a pump and cylinder system to automatically raise and lower the bike carrier platform. This hydraulic system provides the mechanical force needed to lift heavy e-bikes without manual effort, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and heavy weight by substituting human strength with fluid-powered actuation.
2Ease of operation
If the bike carrier is attached to the vehicle for secure transport, then transportation stability is improved, but access to the trunk or tailgate requires detachment which adds inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a sliding hitch mechanism that allows the bike carrier to move horizontally along the vehicle's hitch receiver tube while remaining securely attached. This dynamic design enables the carrier to slide forward for trunk/tailgate access and then lock into position for secure transport, eliminating the need to detach and reattach the carrier while maintaining both accessibility and transportation security.
3Reliability
If the bike carrier is designed to be robust and stable for heavy e-bikes, then transportation reliability is improved, but storage space requirements increase when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bike carrier into separable components: a stationary base unit that remains attached to the vehicle, and a movable platform with foldable cradles that can be detached and stored separately. This segmentation allows the robust base structure to remain for transportation reliability while the platform components can be collapsed and stored in compact form, reducing storage volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates foldable cradles with hinge joints that allow the platform to collapse from an extended load-bearing configuration to a compact folded state. This dynamic folding mechanism maintains structural integrity and stability during use for reliable e-bike transport while enabling compact storage by reducing the volume to a fraction of its operational size when the carrier is not in use.
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 bike carrier simplifies the loading and unloading of heavy electric bicycles, reducing physical strain and preventing injuries. It provides secure transportation and convenient storage, making it accessible and user-friendly for individuals with limited physical strength.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the moving component
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-mounted bike carrier specifically designed for electric bicycles, featuring a hydraulic lifting mechanism for easy loading and unloading, a sliding hitch for convenient access to the vehicle's tailgate or trunk, foldable cradles for the wheels, and a compact design for easy storage. The carrier allows users, especially those with limited physical strength, to transport heavy e-bikes safely and efficiently.