Rotatable Bicycle Fork Mount for Pickup Truck Bed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smaller pickup trucks face challenges in accommodating and securely storing bicycles due to limited space in their beds.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable bicycle fork mount is designed to be mounted on a vehicle floor, featuring a base with rotating slots, a vertical post, a connecting rod with adjustable length, and a fastener system to securely attach to bicycle fork arms, allowing for adjustable positioning to optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed bicycle mount is used in a small pickup truck bed, then the mounting structure is simple, but the bicycle cannot be securely stored due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connecting rod rotatable relative to the base through a rotatable assembly. This allows the connecting rod to change its angle and position dynamically, enabling the bicycle mount to adapt to different bicycle sizes and truck bed spaces. The rotatable mechanism transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adjust to various configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bicycle mount into distinct functional components: a base for mounting on the truck bed, a vertical post extending from the base, and a connecting rod that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to the overall adaptability of the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod angle is fixed, then the mount structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate different bicycle types and bed sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable assembly enables the connecting rod to change its angular position dynamically, allowing the mount to accommodate different bicycle types and truck bed configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability directly addresses the adaptability requirement while maintaining ease of operation through a simple rotational mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod length is fixed, then manufacturing is easier, but it cannot fit various bed sizes and bicycle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates spacers as separate, interchangeable components that can be added or removed to adjust the effective length of the connecting rod. This segmentation of the length adjustment function into modular spacers maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing the necessary configuration flexibility for different applications.
4Volume of moving object
If a rotatable assembly is added to adjust the connecting rod angle, then space efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable assembly provides the necessary dynamic adjustment capability to optimize space utilization in small truck beds. While it does increase device complexity, the complexity is managed through a relatively simple rotational mechanism that enables significant improvements in space efficiency and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable bicycle fork mount including a base configured to mount on a vehicle floor and a vertical extending post extending from the base and a connecting rod coupled to the post and configured to releasably couple to fork arms on a bicycle and a rotatable assembly that allows the mount to rotate relative to the vehicle floor to adjust an angle of the connecting rod.