Lockable Hitch-Mounted Carrier With Integrated Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted bicycle carrying racks lack an integrated locking system to prevent theft, with known solutions being cumbersome, requiring modifications, or easily breakable by thieves.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle receiver hitch supported lockable sporting equipment carrier with an integrated locking assembly that includes a locking bar engaging with both a horizontal and vertical beam, featuring a lock hasp hole for secure locking without requiring bicycle modifications or special attachments, and allowing easy storage of the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated locking system is added to prevent theft, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is integrated directly into the carrier structure, merging the locking function with the existing horizontal and vertical beams. The locking bar engages with the vertical beam and horizontal support beam as unified components, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar serves multiple functions: it secures the carrier to the vehicle receiver hitch, prevents bicycle theft, and can be stored within the axial channel when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is implemented, then theft resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, removable locking bar that can be independently operated. The locking bar is removed from the axial channel, positioned to engage with the vertical beam and horizontal support beam, and secured with a lock. This extraction allows for simple, intuitive operation while maintaining robust theft resistance through the integrated structure.
3Reliability
If the locking bar is made sturdy and difficult to cut, then theft prevention is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bar is manufactured as an integrated component that engages with the existing vertical beam and horizontal support beam structures. By merging the locking function into the existing structural framework rather than adding separate expensive locking components, the design achieves theft prevention through structural integration while controlling manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bar and supporting beams are designed to work together as a composite structural system where the combined strength of the locking bar engaging with both the vertical beam and horizontal support beam provides theft resistance. This composite approach distributes structural requirements across multiple components, allowing use of cost-effective materials while achieving the necessary strength and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle receiver hitch supported lockable sporting equipment carrier provides a receiver hitch beam, structurally carrying an upwardly extending vertical beam. A horizontal support beam is structurally carried by the vertical beam, at an end portion opposite the receiver hitch beam. The horizontal support beam defines an axial channel extending therethrough for releasable engagement with a locking bar. The locking bar has one leg that releasably engages with the axial channel defined in the horizontal support beam, and a second leg that releasably engages with a hole defined in the vertical beam, spacedly adjacent the horizontal support beam. A lock hasp hole defined in an end portion of the locking bar provides for engagement of a lock.