Motorcycle Tie-Down Clamp With Telescoping Rod And Latching Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle tie-down systems face issues such as loosening during transport, difficulty in securing, undesirable compression of suspension, and cumbersome designs, which can lead to instability and potential damage to the motorcycle.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle tie-down apparatus comprising a clamp and base assembly, where the clamp is removably connected to the motorcycle's frame using telescoping tubes with a threaded rod for secure engagement, and a latching mechanism with a base plate and upstanding mounting brackets for stable attachment to a transport vehicle, allowing for adjustable vertical positioning and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible tie down straps are used to secure a motorcycle, then the motorcycle can be attached at four locations, but the straps tend to loosen during transport and require compression of the suspension which causes stress on the motorcycle
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down system is divided into separate functional components: a clamp assembly that attaches to the motorcycle frame without compressing suspension, a base assembly that provides anchoring points, and a telescoping rod that connects them. This segmentation allows the motorcycle to be secured at multiple points while avoiding harmful suspension compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping rod acts as an intermediary element between the clamp and base assembly, providing adjustable length connection that accommodates various motorcycle geometries without requiring suspension compression. This mediator enables reliable securing while eliminating the harmful effect of stress on the motorcycle's suspension system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tie-down straps are used to secure a motorcycle, then the motorcycle can be attached during transport, but it is difficult to locate proper securing points on the motorcycle and proximal securing points for the strap ends
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed with universal applicability to attach to various motorcycle frame types and locations. The telescoping rod provides adjustable length to reach different securing points, and the base assembly can be positioned at multiple locations on the transport surface. This multi-functionality enables the system to adapt to different motorcycle geometries while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If devices are firmly secured to handlebars or forks of a motorcycle, then the motorcycle can be restrained during transport, but the design becomes cumbersome and space-consuming and may cause rubbing of tires and wheels
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is extracted from the motorcycle itself and relocated to the transport surface through the base assembly. The clamp attaches to the motorcycle frame at low points away from moving parts, and the telescoping rod connects to the base assembly on the transport surface. This extraction eliminates the need for complex handlebar or fork-mounted devices, reducing design complexity while maintaining restraint reliability and preventing tire or wheel rubbing.
4Reliability
If devices are used to secure a motorcycle during transport, then the motorcycle can be restrained, but releasing the motorcycle is difficult and the motorcycle may fall over without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping rod incorporates a threaded mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment between a locked secured state and an unlocked released state. The threading provides mechanical advantage for secure attachment during transport, while the same mechanism enables easy release by simply rotating the rod to disengage the threading. This dynamic design maintains securing reliability during transport while enabling easy release without assistance, preventing the motorcycle from falling over.
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
The apparatus provides a stable and secure method for transporting motorcycles by minimizing suspension compression and preventing accidental release, ensuring the motorcycle remains securely attached during transit while allowing for easy installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The threaded rod is rotatable via a handle to limit the telescopic travel of the tubes
Implementation Method 2
The clamp includes a pair of telescoping tubes with a threaded rod disposed to extend coaxially
Implementation Method 3
The guide includes an eye flange disposed on one of the tubes and a guide rod disposed on the other of the tubes. The guide rod extends parallel to the tubes and slideably engages an aperture in the eye flange
Implementation Method 4
Each latching mechanism includes a slot plate on which a latch plate, a release lever, and a locking lever are pivotally mounted
Implementation Method 5
Such downward movement at least partially compresses the suspension of the motorcycle which in turn applies a return force against the motorcycle tie-down apparatus that aids to more securely restrain the motorcycle thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle tie-down apparatus for securing a motorcycle for transport. The apparatus includes a base secured to a transport vehicle and a clamp that is clamped to lower frame members of the motorcycle. The clamp includes a telescoping tubular structure and extends outwardly beyond sides of the motorcycle. The base includes a pair of latches with slots that translationally receive respective end portions of the clamp. The slots extend downward to compress the suspension of the motorcycle during engagement of the clamp with the base. Latch plates pivot to capture the clamp in the slots and locking levers and release levers selectively restrict pivoting of the latch plate and thus withdrawal of the clamp from the slot. The locking levers and release levers employ a dual-motion action from a user to release the clamp from the latch plate.