Rotatable Bicycle Carrier Arm for Trunk Access and Secure Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers for vehicles, such as bicycle carriers, are often cumbersome, unstable, and fail to securely fasten or balance bicycles, while also obstructing vehicle access and information display.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrier system featuring a base with a rotatable wheel securement arm and wire assembly, allowing for adjustable tilt and position, along with a locking mechanism to ensure secure attachment and automatic retraction for easy loading/unloading, and a vehicle information device that adjusts for visibility in both storage and operational configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a load carrier is attached to the rear of the vehicle, then the equipment can be transported from one place to another, but it blocks access to trunks or rear vehicle doors
Solution Approach 1:
The load arm is designed to be rotatable about the vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When not in use, the load arm can be rotated to a storage position that clears the rear vehicle door, enabling access to the trunk while maintaining transport capability when needed
2Productivity
If a load carrier is attached to the rear of the vehicle, then the equipment can be transported from one place to another, but it blocks vehicle information such as vehicle identification and lights
Solution Approach 1:
The load arm's rotatability allows it to be positioned dynamically. When accessing vehicle information is needed, the load arm can be rotated to clear the rear vehicle door area, ensuring visibility of vehicle identification and lights while maintaining transport functionality
3Reliability
If securement arms and straps are used to secure the load, then the bicycle can be fastened to the load carrier, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The wire assembly is extracted from complex securement mechanisms and simplified to a tensioning wire system with a reel. This allows the bicycle to be securely fastened through a simple rotational motion of the reel, eliminating the need for complicated straps and multiple adjustment points
Solution Approach 2:
The wire assembly with reel mechanism provides self-tensioning capability. As the load arm rotates and positions the bicycle, the wire automatically tensions to secure the load, reducing the need for manual adjustment and complex securement procedures
4Device complexity
If the load carrier uses fixed load arm positions, then the structure is simple, but it fails to provide variable adjustment for different loading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The load arm is designed with rotational freedom about the vertical axis, transforming it from a fixed-position structure to a dynamically adjustable one. This allows the load arm to be positioned at various angles to accommodate different bicycle configurations and loading requirements while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single rotational degree of freedom
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
The system provides balanced and secure loading of bicycles, maintains vehicle access and information visibility, and allows for easy operation by enabling adjustable positions and automatic tensioning, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the wire assembly is configured to rotate the wheel securement arm about the base
Implementation Method 2
the automatic retraction device includes a band, a cylinder, a roller, a spring, a clock spring, a reel, a gear, a screw, or a combination thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle carrier (100) includes a vehicle attachment portion (520), a first load arm (300), and a second load arm (400). The second load arm is disposed between the vehicle attachment portion and the first load arm. The second load arm is configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle attachment portion and the first load arm.