Rear Carrier Detachable Interface with Bowden Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier systems for non-towing vehicles, such as smaller cars, are inconvenient to install and detach due to the need to kneel and manually lock receivers under the vehicle, making it burdensome for users to attach and detach bicycle racks.
Innovation Solution
A rear carrier system with a detachable interface that includes engagement means and actuation means, allowing users to attach and detach the carrier from behind the vehicle without kneeling, using a pivotally arranged lever and Bowden-cable mechanism for easy operation, and incorporating anti-theft mechanisms for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receiver is located under the rear end of the car for mounting the rack, then the carrier can be securely attached to the vehicle chassis, but the user must kneel to lock the receiver making installation burdensome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation means is relocated from the under-vehicle position to the rear end of the vehicle, changing the spatial dimension of operation. This allows the user to actuate the engagement means from a standing position at the rear of the vehicle rather than kneeling underneath, while still achieving secure attachment through the same engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanically coupled linkage system serves as an intermediary between the actuation means at the rear and the engagement means underneath the vehicle. This mechanical coupling transmits the actuating force from the convenient rear position to the secure under-vehicle locking point, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation means is arranged close to the engagement means for direct operation, then the mechanism is simple, but the user cannot operate it from behind the vehicle without kneeling
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling acts as an intermediary transmission system that bridges the distance between the rear actuation point and the under-vehicle engagement point. This allows operation from behind the vehicle while maintaining a relatively simple mechanism through direct mechanical linkage rather than complex hydraulic or electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of bringing the engagement means to the rear for direct operation, the solution inverts the approach by keeping the engagement means at the secure under-vehicle position and bringing the actuation means to the convenient rear position, with mechanical coupling bridging the gap between them.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement means are located at the rear for easy access, then the user can operate from behind the vehicle, but the secure attachment to chassis is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling serves as a transmission intermediary that transfers the actuating force from the accessible rear position to the secure under-chassis engagement point, ensuring that operation accessibility does not compromise attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into three functional parts: the actuation means at the rear for operation, the mechanical coupling for force transmission, and the engagement means at the under-vehicle position for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function.
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 convenient and secure attachment and detachment of bicycle racks to non-towing vehicles from behind, reducing user effort and preventing theft, while being suitable for various vehicles and accessories.
Implementation Method 1
using a pivotally arranged lever and Bowden-cable mechanism for easy operation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A rear carrier for non-towing vehicles comprises - a base frame (1) being provided with a receiver (13) - a detachable interface (2) which is capable of being detachably mounted to the receiver (13), and - a rack (3) to be fixedly mounted to the detachable interface (2), wherein the detachable interface (2) comprises engagement means (24) for engaging the receiver (13), which are movable between an engagement position in which they lockingly engage the receiver (13), and a disengagement position in which they allow detachment or attachment of the detachable interface (2) to the receiver (13), and wherein the detachable interface (2) further comprises actuation means (22) for moving the engagement means (24) from the engagement position to the disengagement position, the actuations means being arranged spaced apart from the engagement means but being mechanically coupled thereto such that for detachment or attachment of the detachable interface (2) a user can actuate the actuation means (22) from a position behind the vehicle.