Self-Centering Bicycle Wheel Holder With Tire Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle storage and handling systems risk damaging wheels due to improper holding methods, such as hooking the rim or spokes, leading to aesthetic and functional issues.

Innovation Solution

A wheel holder with self-centering arms that clamp the tire, providing secure holding for any wheel size, using an elastic member to maintain a closed position and protect the rim, and allowing for vertical hanging without risk of falling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the rim is held by a hook, then the bicycle can be easily stored, but the rim gets scratched and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of storageVSAvoidrim damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary element (the clamp with soft contacting surfaces) between the holding mechanism and the wheel rim. This mediator allows the bicycle to be stored securely while preventing direct contact that would cause scratching or damage to the rim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the spokes are held by the holder, then the bicycle can be suspended, but the spokes get damaged or deformed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension capabilityVSAvoidspoke damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the tire as an intermediary holding point instead of directly contacting the spokes. The clamp engages with the tire's outer surface, which is designed to withstand such contact, thereby suspending the bicycle reliably without risking spoke damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the holding function from the vulnerable spoke area and relocates it to the more robust tire surface. By taking out the contact point from the delicate spoke region to the sturdier tire, the system maintains suspension capability while eliminating the harmful effect on spokes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If the holder is designed for specific wheel sizes, then the holding precision is improved, but the adaptability to different wheel sizes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding precisionVSAvoidwheel size compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the clamp with adjustable and scalable features that allow it to accommodate various wheel sizes while maintaining precise holding. The universal design enables a single holder structure to function effectively across different wheel dimensions without sacrificing holding precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to adapt its geometry and contact points based on the specific wheel size being held. This dynamic capability enables the holder to maintain optimal holding precision regardless of whether it is holding a small or large wheel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the wheel is held without centering mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wheel may not be centered properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidwheel centering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a self-centering mechanism that automatically centers the wheel during the clamping process without requiring complex external alignment systems. The design allows the wheel to self-adjust and center itself as the clamp closes, achieving accurate centering while keeping the overall device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 wheel holder ensures secure, damage-free holding of bicycles in various systems, including production lines and elevated storage, with flexibility for different wheel sizes and improved handling security.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member functionally associated with said first and second arms to exert a force causing said first and second arms to adopt the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4147952B1Wheel holder for a bicycle handling system and corresponding handling system

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 IGNASI CLOTET S L U

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~1F

AI summary

A wheel holder (1) for holding a wheel (104) of a bicycle (102) comprising a clamp and a tread supporting section. The tread supporting section comprises a self-centering device (2) for receiving the wheel (104) in a centered manner. The clamp comprises a first and a second arms (4, 6) protruding relative to the tread supporting section, defining an opening (18) for receiving the wheel (104) lengthwise. The arms (4, 6) are movable relative to each other between an open position, allowing the insertion or extraction of the wheel (104) and a closed position for holding the side walls of said tyre (104A) inserted between said first and second arms (4, 6). The clamp further comprises an elastic member (40). The elastic member (40) is functionally associated with the first and second arms (4, 6), to exert a force causing said first and second arms (4, 6) to adopt at rest the closed position. Also, a handling system including the wheel holder is disclosed.