Modular Hitch Bike Rack With Quick Release and Bicycle Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carriers lack flexibility and efficiency in accommodating multiple bicycles, as they often require manual adjustment and struggle to maintain vertical orientation of bicycles during transport, especially when dealing with inclined load bars.
Innovation Solution
A hitch-mount bicycle carrier system featuring a variably configurable hub and manual actuator, allowing for multiple bicycle configurations, and a resiliently biased stop mechanism for secure positioning, along with a leveling device to maintain vertical orientation of bicycles on inclined surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment mechanisms are used to accommodate multiple bicycles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing it to be positioned at multiple angles and heights to accommodate different bicycle configurations. The quick-release mechanism enables rapid transformation between different carrying positions without complex manual adjustments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single support member serves multiple functions by being adjustable to different positions and orientations. It can carry bicycles in various configurations (single or multiple bikes, different orientations) using the same structural element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If fixed positioning mechanisms are used to secure bicycles, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently biased stop mechanism is pre-configured to automatically engage with the support member at predetermined positions. This preliminary positioning action ensures reliable bicycle securing without requiring complex manual adjustment or multiple fastening steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release mechanism incorporates a resiliently biased stop that automatically engages and secures the support member in the correct position without requiring additional manual intervention. The system serves itself by using spring bias to maintain engagement, reducing the operational steps needed while ensuring reliable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple support members are used to carry multiple bicycles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member enables rapid dynamic reconfiguration between different carrying capacities (single or multiple bicycles) through its adjustable positioning system. The quick-release mechanism allows the user to quickly change the configuration without time-consuming manual adjustments, reducing time loss while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member can be divided into multiple segments or positioned at multiple discrete locations along the load bar. This segmentation allows flexible configuration for different numbers of bicycles while maintaining a single integrated structure, avoiding the need for multiple separate support members and the time required to install and adjust each one.
4Ease of operation
If inclined load bars are used for transport, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of bicycle orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling device is pre-positioned to counteract the inclination of the load bar before bicycles are secured. By establishing a horizontal reference plane in advance, the device prevents bicycles from tilting during transport, thereby maintaining vertical orientation stability while allowing the use of inclined load bars for easier loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling device acts as an intermediary between the inclined load bar and the bicycles. It transfers the load while maintaining a horizontal orientation for the bicycles, mediating between the inclined support structure and the requirement for vertical bicycle orientation during transport.
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
Enables easy adaptation to carry one or more bicycles by adjusting the support member orientations, ensuring secure and vertical transportation of bicycles even on inclined load bars, enhancing user convenience and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently biased stop mechanism configured to maintain contact with a projection of the load bar
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch-mount bicycle carrier including a stinger, a support member coupled to the stinger by a variably configurable hub, a foot having a distal end disposed distally from the support member, and a manual actuator disposed at a distal end of the support member. The stinger is configured to be inserted into a hitch receiver of a vehicle. The support member is configured to be disposed in a plurality of orientations relative to the stinger. The support member supports one or more bicycles. The manual actuator includes a trigger coupled to the variably configurable hub to dispose the support member in the plurality of orientations. A portion of the foot is disposed below the trigger when the support member is in a bicycle carrying position.