Shock Absorbing Bicycle Carrier Cradle with Floating Carriage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securement devices for transporting bicycles do not effectively absorb shocks, which can lead to damage and instability during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorbing securement device featuring a resilient force-responsive contraction/expansion mechanism coupled between the bicycle frame tube engaging surface and the carrier engaging surface, allowing for travel and absorption of forces exerted during transportation, utilizing flexible ribs or other resilient members to absorb shock loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid securement device is used to firmly attach the bicycle to the carrier, then the attachment stability is improved, but the shock transmission to the bicycle increases causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a shock absorbing element between the securement device and the bicycle frame tube that is pre-configured to cushion shocks before they reach the bicycle. This element is integrated into the securement device structure, providing beforehand protection against shock transmission while maintaining attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing element acts as an intermediary component between the rigid securement structure and the bicycle frame tube. It mediates the force transmission by absorbing shock loads while allowing the securement device to maintain its attachment function, thus resolving the contradiction between firm attachment and shock protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock absorbing mechanism is added to the securement device, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock absorption function with the existing securement device structure by integrating the shock absorbing element into the cradle assembly. The shock absorbing element is positioned within the existing structural framework, combining attachment and shock absorption functions in a single integrated component rather than adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing element utilizes a flexible or compressible structure that can deform to absorb shock loads. This approach provides effective shock absorption through material flexibility rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the shock protection function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the securement device allows movement to absorb shocks, then the shock absorption is improved, but the attachment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the securement device into distinct functional zones: a rigid attachment portion that maintains stable connection to the carrier, and a shock-absorbing portion that allows controlled movement. The securement device includes a mounting portion attached to the carrier and a cradle portion that can move relative to the mounting portion, with the shock absorbing element positioned between them to enable movement only where needed for shock absorption while maintaining overall attachment stability.
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 solution provides effective shock absorption, reducing the forces imparted on the bicycle, thereby increasing its lifespan and ensuring secure attachment during transportation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient force-responsive contraction/expansion mechanism biased toward an expanded configuration and coupled between the bicycle frame tube engaging surface and the bicycle carrier engaging surface whereby travel of the bicycle frame tube engaging surface relative to the bicycle carrier engaging surface is accommodated
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorbing cradle for supporting a bicycle on an arm of a bicycle carrier. The cradle includes an arm receiving base having a bicycle carrier arm engaging surface and a floating carriage releasably coupled to the arm receiving base. The floating carriage includes an upper portion having a bicycle engaging surface and a resilient member disposed between the upper portion and the arm receiving base.