Pivotable Bicycle Accessory Stay for Heavy Load Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle frames lack an efficient and aesthetically pleasing solution for mounting removable accessory carriers that can support heavy loads without the need for a permanent luggage carrier or separate stay, while maintaining the bike's 'sports' look and ensuring safety and security against theft.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame with a pivotably attached accessory stay that can be moved between a storage and support position, integrated with a wheel receiving structure and attachment interface, allowing for secure mounting of accessory carriers close to the wheel axle, and featuring a locking mechanism to prevent theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a permanent luggage carrier is installed to support heavy loads, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the bicycle's aesthetic appearance and aerodynamic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory stay is designed to be pivotable between a storage position (flush with the wheel receiving structure for aerodynamic and aesthetic purposes) and a support position (extended to bear the accessory carrier and its load). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure based on whether loading is required, resolving the contradiction between permanent structural support and aesthetic appearance.
2Strength
If a separate accessory stay is attached to support heavy loads, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory stay is integrated into the wheel receiving structure through a pivotable connection that utilizes the existing crown and leg structure. The stay merges with the wheel receiving structure in the storage position, eliminating the need for separate permanent mounting structures while providing support capability when extended.
3Ease of operation
If mounting brackets are attached to the seat post or seat stay for lightweight accessories, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability for heavy loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory stay pivots about a horizontal axis located at the crown of the wheel receiving structure, allowing the stay to rotate in an arc. This curved motion path enables the stay to transition smoothly between storage and support positions while maintaining stable load-bearing capability when extended, providing both ease of operation and heavy load reliability.
4Reliability
If the accessory stay is fixed in the support position, then load-bearing reliability is improved, but aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable accessory stay dynamically transitions between a retracted storage position that maintains aerodynamic streamlining and an extended support position that provides reliable load-bearing capacity. The system adapts its configuration based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed structural support and aerodynamic efficiency.
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 the support of heavy loads without affecting bike handling or steering, while maintaining an aerodynamic and aesthetic appearance, and provides secure attachment and theft prevention for the accessory carrier.
Implementation Method 1
The accessory stay has first and second uprights interconnected by a crossbar. A free end of each upright is pivotably attached to the frame at a connection point close to the wheel axle, so as to be movable between a storage position and a support position
Implementation Method 2
A free end of each upright is pivotably attached to the frame at a connection point close to the wheel axle
Implementation Method 3
The crown of the wheel receiving structure comprises a recessed portion for receiving the crossbar of the accessory stay, such that in the storage position, the accessory stay is at least partly accommodated within the wheel receiving structure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~3a
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle frame (100) comprising an attachment interface for receiving a first connection element of an accessory carrier (200) and an accessory stay for supporting the accessory carrier at an underside thereof. The frame has a wheel receiving structure comprising first and second legs (121, 122) interconnected at one end by a crown (123) adapted to span an outer circumference of the bicycle wheel. An opposite end of each leg is adapted for supporting an axle (137) of the wheel. The accessory stay has first and second uprights (141, 142) interconnected by a crossbar. According to the invention, a free end of each upright is pivotably attached to the frame at a corresponding connection point (145, 146) close to the wheel axle, so as to be movable between a storage position, in which the accessory stay bears against the wheel receiving structure, and a support position in which the accessory stay is pivoted away from the storage position, to enable the crossbar to support the underside of the accessory carrier (200). The invention further relates to an accessory carrier for removable attachment to the frame (100).