Segmented Roof Cycle Carrier Pallet Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing roof-mounted cycle carriers are difficult to manage and transport due to their elongated dimensions, which exceed standard pallet sizes, resulting in increased logistics costs for manufacturers and distributors.
Innovation Solution
A roof cycle carrier design featuring two elongate support segments that can be joined to form a continuous groove for bicycle tire reception and easily separated for storage on standard pallets, utilizing joining elements like grooves and screws to facilitate both use and non-use configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cycle carrier is designed as a single elongate support element to ensure structural integrity and continuous groove for bicycle tire reception, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the logistics and transportation costs increase due to inability to fit standard pallets
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be separated for logistics and reassembled for use. This segmentation allows the components to fit on standard pallets while maintaining the capability to form a continuous support structure when assembled, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and logistics cost.
2Ease of operation
If the cycle carrier is designed as a single continuous profile to provide uninterrupted support for bicycle tires, then the functional performance is improved, but the transportation efficiency deteriorates due to exceeding standard pallet dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous profile is segmented into separate elements that can be independently transported on standard pallets. When assembled at the destination, these segments form the continuous support structure needed for functional performance, thus resolving the contradiction between functional performance and transportation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycle carrier transitions between two states: a separated state for efficient transportation and storage, and an assembled state for functional use. This dynamic transformation allows the system to optimize for different operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between transportation efficiency and functional performance.
3Device complexity
If the cycle carrier uses a single-piece construction to simplify the structure and reduce assembly complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the logistics management difficulty increases due to oversized dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece construction is divided into multiple standardized segments that are simpler in individual form and can be easily managed during logistics. The segments are designed with standardized connection interfaces that simplify the reassembly process, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and logistics management.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design allows the same components to serve multiple functions: they can be individually stored, easily transported on standard pallets, and assembled into the functional cycle carrier. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cycle carrier (1) comprising: an elongate element (1) designed to receive a tyre of a bicycle and formed by a plurality of segments (10). The cycle carrier (1) has a use configuration in which the segments (10) are joined to each other and a non-use configuration wherein the segments (10) are separated from each other.