Motorcycle Turntable With Elastomeric Riding Strip and Roller Carousel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle turntable systems do not provide a safe and convenient method for supporting and turning motorcycles and other vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle turntable system comprising a rotatable support assembly with pivotable sections, a riding strip made of elastomeric material, a carousel assembly with rollers for securement, and a locking assembly to facilitate safe rotation and support, along with a latch for easy carrying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motorcycle turntable system is designed to support and turn motorcycles safely, then the stability and safety of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components including pivotable sections, locking assemblies, and carousel assemblies with rollers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is divided into multiple pivotable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be coupled together to form different configurations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stability through proper section arrangement while managing complexity by using standardized modular components that can be assembled in various ways depending on the specific safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the support assembly is made lightweight and portable for easy carrying, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength and load-bearing capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoidload-bearing capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly incorporates pivotable sections with hinges that allow dynamic reconfiguration between extended and folded states. The system transitions from a compact folded state for easy carrying to an extended stable configuration for load-bearing operations. This dynamic capability enables the same structure to satisfy both portability requirements and strength requirements at different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the turntable system uses durable materials like aluminum and elastomeric materials for the riding strip, then the reliability and durability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the turntable system use different materials optimized for their specific functional requirements. The support sections use aluminum for structural durability, while the riding strip uses elastomeric material for friction and grip. This localized material selection ensures durability where needed while controlling overall manufacturing cost by not over-engineering all components with premium materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the support assembly is designed in an extended configuration for turning motorcycles, then the functionality for supporting and turning vehicles is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly employs pivotable sections connected by hinges that enable dynamic transformation between extended and folded configurations. In the extended state, the assembly provides the necessary functionality for supporting and turning motorcycles. When not in use, the same assembly can be folded into a compact state for space-efficient storage. This dynamic reconfigurability resolves the contradiction between functionality and storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 safe and convenient support and turning of motorcycles and other vehicles, with durable and cost-effective construction, ensuring efficient operation and user-friendly handling.

Implementation Method 1

The riding strip is fabricated of an elastomeric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A carousel assembly is provided. The carousel assembly includes a fixed lower section and a rotatable upper section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

A coil spring is provided between the apertures. The coil spring urges the pin downwardly into a locked orientation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7473061B1Motorcycle turntable system
Publication Date: 2009.01.06 SANTANGELO LAWRENCE
  • US7473061B1 patent drawing
  • US7473061B1 patent drawing
  • US7473061B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A rotatable support assembly formed of pivotable sections has upper and lower surfaces and tapered end edges. A riding strip fabricated of an elastomeric material extends over the upper surface from tapered end edge to tapered end edge. A carousel assembly includes a fixed lower section, a rotatable upper section, and equally spaced rollers between the upper and lower sections. A locking assembly includes wells formed into the upper surface. A circular plate has an upper aperture and a locking tab with a lower aperture. The locking assembly also includes a pin extending through the upper and lower apertures. A coil spring between the apertures urges the pin downwardly into a locked orientation to preclude rotation of the support assembly.