Adjustable Rack Carrier Gripping for Tool-Free Bicycle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle cargo rack devices are limited by their fixed size compatibility and require time-consuming screw tightening/loosening for assembly/disassembly, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A rack-carrying device featuring a base board unit, gripping unit, connecting board unit, and lock unit, which allows for adjustable gripping of various supporting rack sizes and shapes, and includes a quick-release mechanism for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screws are used to fasten the cargo carrier to the supporting rack, then the cargo carrier is securely fixed, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate functional components: a gripping unit with gripping elements that can independently engage with the supporting rack, and a lock unit that secures the gripping unit to the base board unit. This segmentation allows the gripping elements to be quickly engaged and disengaged without requiring tool operation on multiple fastening points simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed to automatically grip and hold the supporting rack structure when engaged, providing self-locking functionality. The resilient member provides automatic return force to maintain gripping pressure, and the lock unit with release button allows tool-free operation where the user simply presses a button to release the locking mechanism.
2Device complexity
If fixed-size cargo carrier is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be adapted to different supporting rack sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping unit incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different supporting rack dimensions. The gripping elements can be positioned at different locations on the base board unit, and the overall structure can be configured to match various rack sizes while maintaining a relatively simple base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping unit is designed as a universal interface that can engage with multiple types of supporting rack structures. By providing multiple gripping elements that can independently engage with different parts of the rack, the system achieves multi-functionality and compatibility across various rack configurations without requiring multiple specialized carriers.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are used to fasten each corner, then the cargo carrier is securely attached, but the operation becomes complicated and user-unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into integrated units. The gripping unit combines multiple gripping elements that simultaneously engage with the supporting rack, and the lock unit combines multiple locking mechanisms that are controlled by a single release button. This merging reduces the number of independent operations the user must perform while maintaining secure attachment across multiple points.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically maintain secure attachment through the resilient member's return force, eliminating the need for users to continuously adjust or tighten fasteners. The single release button operation allows tool-free disengagement, making the system self-service oriented and user-friendly while maintaining reliable attachment during use.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rack-carrying device includes a gripping unit (3), a connecting board unit (4), a base board body (21), and a plurality of slide blocks (22) that are disposed on the base board body (21). The gripping unit (3) includes a plurality of fastening rods (31) that respectively extend through the slide blocks (22) along an up-down direction (Z), and a plurality of gripping subunits (32) each of which is located below a respective one of the slide blocks (22), is fastened to the respective one of the slide blocks (22) by a respective one of the fastening rods (31), and is operable to rotate relative to the respective one of the slide blocks (22). The connecting board unit (4) includes a connecting board body (41) that is located above the base board body (21), and at least one engaging block (42) that is disposed on the connecting board body (41).