Modular Bicycle Rack Hoop Structures for Damage-Free Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-cost bicycle racks for high-density parking often damage bicycle wheels due to leaning and are not compatible with U-shaped locks, and their transportation and installation are costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A modular bicycle rack system comprising standardized hoop structures and connector plates that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for customizable parking and locking surfaces for multiple bicycles, with components designed for lightweight shipping and easy installation by end-users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional low-cost bicycle racks are used for high-density parking, then parking capacity is improved, but wheel damage occurs due to leaning
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack is divided into multiple vertical posts with individual horizontal bars, allowing each bicycle to be supported independently at multiple points along the rack length, preventing concentrated leaning forces that cause wheel damage
Solution Approach 2:
Horizontal bars are positioned at specific heights and locations to provide localized support points that match bicycle wheel and frame positions, creating optimal contact points that distribute weight evenly and prevent wheel damage while maintaining high parking capacity
2Productivity
If conventional bicycle racks are designed for high-density parking, then parking density is improved, but compatibility with U-shaped locks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Horizontal bars are positioned at specific heights to create localized support points that align with bicycle frame positions, providing adequate clearance and access points for U-shaped locks to secure bicycles to the rack structure
Solution Approach 2:
The rack design allows for adjustable or flexible bar positioning that can adapt to different bicycle types and lock requirements, maintaining high parking density while accommodating various locking mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional bicycle racks are transported to location of use, then installation is completed, but transportation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack is designed as modular segments that can be transported separately and assembled on-site, reducing individual component weight and transportation costs while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
Rack components are designed to nest within each other during storage and transport, minimizing volume and weight of shipped materials while enabling complete rack assembly at the installation location
4Ease of operation
If conventional bicycle racks are installed, then parking function is provided, but disassembly and storage requires large space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into modular segments that can be easily disassembled and compactly stored in small spaces, while maintaining full parking functionality when assembled at the usage location
Solution Approach 2:
The rack employs removable connections and adjustable components that enable easy disassembly for compact storage, while maintaining structural stability and parking function during usage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a modular bicycle rack that includes at least a first hoop structure, a second hoop structure, a first connector plate, and a second connector plate. The first hoop structure is attached to the second hoop structure by each of the first and second connector plates. A bicycle rack that is capable of providing parking and locking surfaces for at least four bicycles may be provided using only two connected hoop structures. However, additional parking and locking surfaces may be provided simply by the further connection of additional hoop structures. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a set of components that is configured to be easily shipped, such as by a parcel carrier, and assembled to provide a bicycle rack.