Pivotable Locking Arm Wheel Shell for Bicycle Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel shells for two-wheelers, such as bicycles, require complex assembly and disassembly processes, particularly due to the need to insert the wheel from above, which complicates the attachment and detachment of the wheel to the carrier profile.
Innovation Solution
The wheel shell incorporates pivotable securing legs that allow the wheel to be inserted from the side, with a tensioning strap and turnbuckle system that can be easily attached and detached, enabling simplified assembly and disassembly by using pivotable securing legs and support profiles to enhance friction and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wheel is inserted from above into the receiving area, then the wheel can be secured to the carrier profile, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inserting the wheel from above into a fixed receiving area, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the wheel to be inserted from the side. The receiving area is designed to accept the wheel laterally, and the locking arms pivot from a retracted position to engage with the wheel's locking surfaces, fundamentally reversing the traditional insertion direction to simplify the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arms are designed as pivotable components that can dynamically change their position between a retracted state (allowing wheel insertion) and an engaged state (securing the wheel). This dynamic mechanism replaces static fixed structures, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure wheel retention during transport.
2Ease of operation
If pivotable locking arms are used to allow side insertion, then assembly is simplified, but additional components and mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms serve multiple functions: they guide the wheel during insertion, engage with the wheel's locking surfaces to secure it, and can be pivoted to release the wheel for removal. The tensioning strap system also performs dual functions of both securing the wheel and maintaining friction contact between the wheel and carrier profile. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the locking mechanism with the wheel retention system by integrating the locking arms into the wheel cup structure. The tensioning strap system is merged with the locking arm mechanism, where the strap not only secures the wheel but also maintains friction contact to prevent lateral movement. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of separate components needed.
3Reliability
If the tensioning strap is tightened to secure the wheel, then the wheel is firmly retained, but the friction contact between wheel and support area may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms act as intermediary elements between the tensioning strap and the wheel. When the strap is tightened, the force is transmitted through the pivoting locking arms to the wheel's locking surfaces, providing secure retention. The arms amplify and redirect the tensioning force to ensure reliable wheel securing while maintaining adequate friction contact through the support profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support profiles on the locking arms are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the wheel's tire sidewalls. This curvature increases the contact area between the locking arms and the wheel, enhancing friction contact and preventing lateral movement. The curved geometry allows for better force distribution and improved retention reliability.
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
This design facilitates easier and more efficient assembly and disassembly of the wheel, providing improved accessibility and securing the wheel to the carrier profile without additional fixing devices, suitable for both bicycle and motorcycle carriers.
Implementation Method 1
a locking arm (9, 11) which is pivotally mounted on a side region of the wheel cup body (8) next to a receiving area (A) for the wheel about a pivot axis (10, 12)
Implementation Method 2
By tightening the tensioning strap, it is pulled tight against the rim, thus inevitably pulling a tire contact patch of the wheel against a support area of the wheel tray body
Implementation Method 3
the locking arms are provided with support profiles (15) on their inner side, which serve to increase the static friction between the sidewalls of the wheel's tire and the locking arms
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
1. Wheel tray for receiving a wheel of a two-wheeler and support profile arrangement with a support profile and with such a wheel tray. 2.1 A wheel tray with a wheel tray body, which in the mounted state is held on a support profile of a two-wheeler carrier unit, wherein a flexible tension band and a tensioning and locking mechanism for the tension band are associated with the wheel tray body, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, the tension band is held at one end on a locking arm, which is pivotably mounted laterally next to a receiving area for the wheel about a pivot axis relative to the wheel tray body, the pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the wheel tray body such that the locking arm can pivot between a release position projecting away from the receiving area and a locking position projecting towards the receiving area. 2.3 Use for bicycle carriers on passenger cars