Modular Bike Rack Securement for Lighter Hitch Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receiver mounted bike racks are non-modular, heavy, bulky, and require complex attachment methods, leading to difficulty in installation, storage, and potential bicycle damage due to interference.
Innovation Solution
A modular securement device with a crank receiver, wheel support, and lateral support that can be installed and removed in parts, supporting the bicycle's weight at its center of gravity, and preventing interference between bicycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing receiver mounted bike racks are made non-modular to provide stable support, then the rack structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the weight increases and storage becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bike rack is divided into separate modular components including a receiver coupler, mounting plate, support base, crank receiver, lateral support, and wheel support. These components can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing the rack to be stored inside the vehicle when not in use while maintaining structural stability during operation.
2Strength
If existing receiver mounted bike racks are made non-modular to ensure structural integrity, then manufacturing is simplified, but installation becomes difficult requiring high strength
Solution Approach 1:
The rack components are designed with standardized connection interfaces that allow easy assembly and disassembly. The receiver coupler connects to the vehicle hitch, mounting plate attaches to the coupler, and support components connect to the plate, enabling installation without requiring excessive strength while maintaining structural integrity through proper load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-configured with connection features and mounting interfaces before installation. The support base, crank receiver, and wheel support are prepared with appropriate attachment mechanisms, allowing users to simply connect the components in sequence without complex assembly procedures or special tools.
3Reliability
If existing receiver mounted bike racks use complex attachment methods to secure bicycles, then the rack can contact multiple points on the bicycle for better security, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment method extracts only the essential contact points needed for secure bicycle mounting. Instead of requiring multiple contact points across the entire bicycle, the design focuses on securing the crank arm and front wheel, which are sufficient to prevent bicycle movement while minimizing rack component size and weight.
4Quantity of substance
If existing receiver mounted bike racks are designed to hold multiple bicycles, then transportation capacity increases, but the racks cause interference between bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The rack utilizes vertical spacing and lateral positioning to accommodate multiple bicycles without interference. The wheel support and lateral support components create distinct spatial zones for each bicycle, allowing securement of multiple bikes in a compact configuration that prevents contact between pedals, cranks, handlebars, and seats.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular securement device may include a receiver coupler configured to be removably coupled to a vehicle hitch. A mounting plate may be coupled to the receiver coupler. A first slot may extend longitudinally along a top surface of the mounting plate, and a second slot may also extend longitudinally along the top surface of the mounting plate and may be spaced apart from the first slot. An optional support base may be moveably coupled to the mounting plate via engagement with the first or second slot. A crank receiver may be coupled to the support base. A lateral support may also be coupled to the support base, and a wheel support may be coupled to the lateral support.