Motorcycle Transport Clamp with Rubber Lining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle transport methods, such as flexible tie-down straps and other devices, face issues like loosening during transport, difficulty in securing, undesirable compression of the suspension, marring of the motorcycle, and cumbersome designs, making them inefficient and difficult to operate alone.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle transport apparatus featuring a rubber-lined clamp that secures to the lower frame tubes, a base assembly with adjustable mounting plates, and a clamp assembly with a threaded rod and C-clamps, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement, and preventing suspension compression and marring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible tie-down straps are used to secure a motorcycle, then the motorcycle can be transported, but the straps tend to loosen during transport and require attachment at four locations which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the motorcycle into two separate clamping positions (front and rear), with each position having its own independent clamp assembly. This segmentation allows each clamp to secure a specific portion of the motorcycle, eliminating the need for multiple attachment points per clamp and reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary device between the motorcycle frame and the transport vehicle. By clamping onto the frame tubes at two distributed positions, it creates secure attachment points without requiring four separate strap attachment locations, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If tie-down straps are used to secure a motorcycle, then the motorcycle can be transported, but the straps compress the suspension which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly applies localized clamping force directly to the frame tubes at the clamping position, rather than distributing force through suspension components. The rubber-lined clamping surfaces concentrate the securing force on the frame structure, preventing harmful compression of the suspension while maintaining reliable motorcycle securing.
3Reliability
If devices are firmly secured to handlebars or forks, then the motorcycle can be secured, but the tires and wheels may be marred or rubbed
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the clamping function from contact with tires and wheels, instead clamping directly onto the frame tubes. By taking the securing action away from the tires and wheels and applying it to the frame structure, the device maintains reliable motorcycle securing while eliminating the harmful effect of tire and wheel marring or rubbing.
4Reliability
If existing securement devices are used, then the motorcycle can be transported, but releasing the motorcycle is difficult and may require assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-operating through a cam mechanism that allows single-person operation. The cam lever can be manually actuated by one person to quickly release both clamps simultaneously, enabling the motorcycle to be freed without requiring assistance. This self-service design maintains securing reliability during transport while dramatically improving ease of operation during release.
5Reliability
If existing securement devices are used, then the motorcycle can be transported, but the designs are cumbersome and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of two separate clamps into a single integrated clamp assembly that secures both front and rear portions of the motorcycle. This consolidation reduces device complexity and space requirements compared to using two separate clamp devices, while maintaining reliable securing through the distributed clamping positions.
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 secure, efficient, and easy transportation of motorcycles without compressing the suspension, preventing marring, and allowing single-person operation with quick loading and unloading, while maintaining the motorcycle upright during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber-lined clamp which fastens to the lower frame tubes of a motorcycle
Implementation Method 2
The clamp assembly is partially comprised of an outer tube. Within the outer tube, entering one end of the tube, is an adjustable clamp bar
Implementation Method 3
A spring acts to pull the lever channel and hence lever ear into a downward position until the latch lever is released as desired
Implementation Method 4
The outer end of the adjustable clamp bar is abutted by the threaded rod, which fits within the clamp bar. The threads on the threaded rod engage the threads within the outer tube. The threaded bar is fitted with a pivoting handle. Turning the handle of the threaded bar thereby moves the clamp bar inwardly and outwardly within the outer tube
Implementation Method 5
Proximal to one end of the outer tube, the end opposite the entry of the clamp bar, is a C-clamp. A matching C-clamp is fitted to the clamp bar. Each interior of the respective C-clamps is fitted against the lower frame of the vehicle to be secured
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle transport apparatus to secure a motorcycle or recreational vehicle during transport is provided. The apparatus is comprises a base assembly attached to a truck or trailer bed and a clamp assembly to fasten the lower frame of a motorcycle to the base assembly. The base assembly comprises spring loaded latch and lock levers, which may be easily operated by one person, to latch and release the clamp assembly from the base assembly without marring the motorcycle's paint or interfering with the motorcycle's wires, brake lines, or engine.