Sliding Bicycle Carrier with Automatic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carriers for vehicles, particularly those mounted on trailers, often obstruct access to storage spaces when deployed, as they cannot be easily retracted to allow opening of closed storage flaps, and lack reliable locking mechanisms to prevent accidental movement during vehicle use.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier with a sliding guide system connected to a locking device featuring a pre-loaded locking bolt that automatically secures and releases, allowing the carrying device to be easily moved between retracted and extended positions without manual handling, ensuring secure locking and convenient access to storage spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carrying device is made fixed relative to the base, then the structure is simple and stable, but the storage space flap cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed connection between base and carrying device into a movable sliding connection. The carrying device can now be displaced along a sliding path relative to the base, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability enables access to the storage space flap while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a straightforward sliding guide mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the carrying device is made movable to access storage space, then access is enabled, but accidental movement during driving may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle by providing a locking device that automatically locks the carrying device in its retracted position before vehicle movement. The locking device with locking bolt engages with the sliding guide to prevent any accidental displacement during transport, while still allowing intentional movement when needed for accessing storage space.
3Reliability
If manual locking mechanism is used, then locking function is provided, but user oversight and complex operation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing an automatic locking mechanism that self-activates when the carrying device reaches the retracted position. The locking bolt automatically engages with the sliding guide without requiring user intervention, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and preventing user oversight while maintaining high locking reliability.
4Ease of operation
If force is applied to move carrying device, then position change is achieved, but older individuals and women may struggle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the force required to move the carrying device by utilizing the sliding guide mechanism, which allows smooth linear displacement along a defined path. The sliding connection minimizes friction and mechanical resistance compared to fixed or hinged connections, enabling easier operation for older individuals and women while maintaining secure positioning when locked.
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 enables easy access to storage spaces without tilting the load, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and ensures secure locking without user oversight, making the load carrier suitable for various users, including older individuals and women, by minimizing the force required for operation and maintaining the vertical orientation of bicycles.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (25) is provided which pre-loads the locking bolt (21) in the direction of the blocked position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a load carrier (1) for a vehicle, with a base (2) and a carrying device (5) being connected to each other via at least one sliding guide (6, 7) so that the carrying device (5) can be displaced from a retracted end position into an extended end position, wherein the sliding guide (6, 7) comprises two sliding elements (16, 17) that are mounted at each other in particular in a linearly displaceable manner, wherein a locking device (20) with a locking bolt (21), which is held at one of the two sliding elements (16, 17) so as to be movable between a blocked position and a release position, is provided, and wherein a mechanism is provided which is automatically activated as the locking bolt (21) is being transferred into the release position and which holds the locking bolt (21), and which, as the carrying device (5) is being moved into the retracted end position, automatically releases the locking bolt (21).