Rotatable Bicycle Storage Carousel with Vertical Hooks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle storage solutions lack efficient density, accessibility, and security, with traditional methods requiring significant space and not accommodating varied bicycle sizes, and often compromising on security or cost.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable bicycle storage carousel with an elongated central core and multiple bicycle storage assemblies that stack bicycles vertically, featuring a barricade and wheel cradle for secure storage, and an enclosure with a lockable door for restricted access, integrated with sensors and network connectivity for user authentication and space management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bicycles are stored in traditional horizontal racks, then accessibility is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal ground-level storage to vertical suspended storage, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage density. Bicycles are hung from overhead structures using hooks that engage with the bicycle frame, allowing multiple bicycles to be stored in the vertical space above the access point, thereby maintaining ease of access while significantly increasing storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple bicycle storage hooks are integrated into a single overhead mounting unit. The hooks are arranged in a compact configuration that allows them to be stored within or attached to a common support structure, maximizing space utilization while maintaining individual accessibility to each bicycle.
2Quantity of substance
If more bicycles are stored in the same space, then storage density is improved, but accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent hook units, each capable of holding a separate bicycle. These segmented hooks are distributed across the overhead space, allowing users to access individual bicycles without disturbing others. Each hook operates independently, enabling selective access while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
By arranging hooks in a vertical and distributed spatial pattern across the overhead area, the system allows multiple bicycles to be stored at different locations and heights. Users can access any bicycle by reaching to its specific location, maintaining ease of access even as the number of stored bicycles increases.
3Quantity of substance
If bicycles are stored vertically, then storage density is improved, but adaptability to different bicycle sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hooks with varying characteristics (different lengths, angles, and positions) to accommodate different bicycle types. Each hook is locally optimized for specific bicycle frame geometries, allowing the system to adapt to road bikes, mountain bikes, and other variations while maintaining vertical storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead hook system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate multiple bicycle types. The hooks are positioned and configured to work with various frame shapes and wheel sizes, making the same storage structure adaptable to different bicycle specifications while maintaining high storage density.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional hooks are used for storage, then ease of deployment is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple security features into the overhead storage system: the hooks are designed to securely engage with bicycle frames, the overhead mounting structure provides stable anchoring, and the vertical suspension position makes bicycle theft more difficult. This merged approach maintains ease of deployment while significantly improving security compared to simple wall-mounted hooks.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle storage unit is disclosed. The unit includes a rotatable bicycle storage carousel that is structured to rotate about a central axis to provide for a dense storage of bicycles, which are stored on the rotatable bicycle storage carousel in a generally vertical orientation. The unit further includes an enclosure surrounding the carousel. The rotatable bicycle storage carousel comprises an elongated central core oriented in a first direction that is orthogonal relative to a plane defined by a base structure of the rotatable bicycle storage carousel. The elongated central core is rotatable relative to the base structure. The carousel further includes multiple bicycle storage assemblies on which bicycles can be hung.