Pivoting Bicycle Rack With Wheel-Locking Arms and Roll-On Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle racks require multiple operations to secure or release bicycles, can damage the frame due to jolting and vibration, and often fail to inherently secure wheels, leading to potential damage to both the bicycle and motor vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting bicycle rack that holds bicycles by their tires, featuring wheel retention arms that pivot inward to lock against the tires, preventing wheel spin and turn, and a mechanism that allows the bike to roll onto elongated wheel trays, with a drawbar assembly for compact storage and easy loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hangers and clamps are used to hold the bicycle, then the bicycle can be secured in the rack, but the finish of the bicycle frame can be marred due to jolting and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the contact function from the frame-holding mechanism and relocates it to the wheel-holding mechanism. The frame is no longer in contact with any clamping devices, eliminating the source of frame finish damage while maintaining bicycle security through wheel retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces wheel trays and retention arms as intermediary elements that contact only the wheels, not the frame. These intermediaries transfer the security function from frame-contacting devices to wheel-contacting devices, protecting the frame finish while maintaining reliable bicycle holding.
2Reliability
If elastic straps are used to secure the bicycle, then the bicycle can be held in the rack, but the straps are subject to loosening, tearing, and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the security function from elastic straps entirely and replaces it with a rigid mechanical retention arm system. This eliminates the deterioration issues inherent in elastic materials while maintaining reliable bicycle holding through positive mechanical engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the elastic strap mechanical system with a rigid retention arm and wheel tray system. The new system uses rigid mechanical components with defined geometric relationships, eliminating the loosening and deterioration problems associated with elastic materials.
3Ease of operation
If the bicycle is lifted onto the rack, then the bicycle can be loaded, but it is difficult for heavier bikes such as beach bikes, off-road bikes and electric powered bikes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates an equipotential loading condition by extending the wheel trays to ground level. This eliminates the height difference that requires lifting, allowing bikes of any weight to be rolled onto the rack with minimal effort, equalizing the loading task across all bicycle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static loading process into a dynamic rolling operation. Instead of lifting the bicycle vertically onto a fixed rack, the extended wheel trays enable the bicycle to roll dynamically onto the rack, significantly reducing the effort required for heavy bikes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the wheels are allowed to spin freely in the slipstream, then the bicycle can move freely, but damage to the bicycle and motor vehicle can result
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary anti-action by providing retention arms that are pre-positioned to contact and prevent wheel spin before the bicycle is subjected to slipstream forces. The retention arms create preliminary mechanical constraints that counteract the harmful spinning motion that would otherwise occur during vehicle travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the wheel spin prevention function from the frame-holding mechanism and relocates it to the wheel-retention mechanism. By contacting the wheels directly with retention arms, the system prevents wheel spin and steering movement at their source, eliminating damage risks without restricting necessary bicycle positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A bike carrier that retains the wheels of a bike in a tray between pivoting retention arms with ratchets that hold the arms against the tires. In embodiments, a retention arm pivot lock acts on a stay between each wheel retention arm and the tray to which it is attached, wherein the pivot ratchet is configured to allow the wheel retention arm to pivot through a reflex angle to provide inward pivoting of the wheel retention arm and outward pivoting of the wheel retention arm to provide a frame for a ramp to allow the bike to roll onto first and second wheel trays. In embodiments, the carrier comprises a rotational pivot assembly configured to pivot the bike carrying tray assembly among a horizontal position, a first downward position and a second downward position.