Sliding Canopy Hoops for Faster Bicycle Cargo Pod Covering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle transport gondolas require complex and time-consuming steps to cover and uncover the cargo compartment, and there is a risk of losing the convertible top if not used frequently.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle transport platform with a canopy that can be quickly and intuitively deployed or stowed by sliding edges onto hoops, featuring a fixed additional wall to allow sliding and a reversible attachment system for edges, ensuring the canopy remains attached and can be easily adjusted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hoops are made retractable and the soft top is stored in an annex compartment, then the canopy can be removed when not in use, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy is divided into multiple panels that can be independently manipulated and reconfigured. The hoops are segmented into telescopic sections that can be independently extended or retracted. This segmentation allows the canopy to be quickly deployed or stowed by simply collapsing the hoops and folding the panels, without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hoops are designed with telescopic sections that can dynamically extend or retract based on operational needs. The canopy panels are configured to flex and fold as the hoops change length, enabling rapid transition between deployed and stowed states. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex fastening or unfastening operations.
2Reliability
If the soft top is stored in an annex compartment, then it can be kept when not in use, but there is still a risk of losing it during extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy panels are permanently integrated with the hoop structure through attachment mechanisms that allow the canopy to remain secured to the hoops even when retracted. This merging ensures the canopy cannot be accidentally lost or separated from the cart, while still allowing quick deployment or stowing by simply collapsing the combined hoop-canopy structure.
3Reliability
If multiple steps are required to extend and raise the hoops and place the soft top, then the canopy can be securely installed, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy panels are pre-attached to the hoops in a nested or folded configuration within the cart body before deployment. The telescopic hoop sections are pre-positioned in a retracted state. When deployment is needed, the user simply extends the hoops, and the pre-positioned canopy panels automatically unfold and secure themselves, eliminating the need for sequential manual installation steps.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle transport platform (1), said platform comprising a base surrounded at least partially by a peripheral skirt (21) to form a loading compartment (22), said platform having two hoops (30, 31) each extending between two opposite sides (25) of the compartment (22) forming an arch over said compartment, said platform being equipped with a canopy (32) which can be arranged between the hoops (30, 31) in a configuration covering the compartment (22), the canopy (32) having two first opposite edges (33, 34) which are slidably mounted on respectively a hoop (30, 31) so as to allow the folding of said canopy from the covering configuration to a storage configuration in which at least a portion of the compartment (22) is uncovered.