Pivotable Drawbar Bicycle Trailer for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle trailers face challenges in being easily handled and transported in a space-saving manner, as the drawbar often requires disassembly for compact storage, which can lead to loss and increased assembly work, and lacks a front wheel mount for improved stability and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle trailer design featuring a front wheel mount and front wheel that pivots relative to the trailer frame, allowing the drawbar to pivot between positions for towing and space-saving transport without disassembly, with the front wheel's axis of rotation shifting to reduce overhang and improve ground clearance, and incorporating a joint lock or quick-release clamp for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the drawbar is made detachable to reduce storage space, then the storage space requirement is reduced, but the risk of losing the drawbar and assembly work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar is designed to be dynamically repositionable rather than detachable. It can pivot between a first position for towing and a second position for compact storage, eliminating the need for detachment while maintaining both space efficiency and reliability. The pivot joint with joint axis enables this dynamic repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar serves multiple functions: it acts as a towing connection when in the first position and becomes part of the compact storage configuration when in the second position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage components while maintaining both towing capability and space efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the drawbar extends beyond the front of the trailer for towing, then the towing function is enabled, but the storage space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar is designed with pivotability about a joint axis, allowing it to dynamically change position between extending forward for towing and retracting for compact storage. This dynamic repositioning enables the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawbar transitions from a linear extension in the towing position to a retracted configuration in the storage position by utilizing rotational movement about the joint axis. This dimensional transformation allows the same component to serve both towing and space-efficient storage requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If the front wheel axis is positioned on the underbody surface side for compact storage, then the storage efficiency is improved, but the ground clearance and stability during towing are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front wheel assembly is coupled to the drawbar such that it pivots together with the drawbar about the joint axis. This dynamic coupling allows the wheel position to automatically adjust between a compact configuration during storage and an extended configuration during towing, maintaining ground clearance when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The front wheel mount is merged with the drawbar assembly, causing them to move as a single unit. When the drawbar pivots to its towing position, the front wheel automatically extends to provide ground clearance and stability. When the drawbar retracts for storage, the wheel follows suit, achieving compactness without requiring independent adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bicycle trailer (1) comprising a trailer frame (2), a loading platform (3), a rear wheel mount (4), and a drawbar (5) having a first end (5a) and a second end (5b), wherein the second end (5b) of the drawbar (5) is connected to the trailer frame (2) via a joint (6) with a pivot axis (6a), such that the drawbar (5) is pivotable relative to the trailer frame (2) between a first position and a second position about the pivot axis (6a), wherein the trailer frame (2) has a front (2a), a rear (2b), a top (2c), and a bottom (2d), wherein the pivot axis (6a) is arranged closer to the front (2a) than the rear wheel mount (4), wherein the first end (5a) of the drawbar (5) extends beyond the front (2a) of the trailer frame (2) in the second position and is arranged such that the first end (5a) of the drawbar (5) is connectable to a towing vehicle,wherein the loading platform (3) has a loading area (3a) and an underfloor area (3b) arranged on opposite sides of the loading platform (3). In order to provide an easily handled and space-saving bicycle trailer (1), it is proposed according to the invention that the first end (5a) of the drawbar (5) is arranged in the first position on the side of the underfloor area (3b) of the loading platform (3) and closer to the rear (2b) of the trailer frame (2) than the second end (5b) of the drawbar (5).