Sublevel Bike Stand Shell Structure for Stable Low-Profile Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sublevel bike stands are heavy, unsightly, and space-consuming, and above-ground stands disrupt the aesthetic and spatial integrity of locations like historic town centers.
Innovation Solution
A sublevel bike stand with a shell structure that includes protruding elements to anchor into the ground, a perimeter flange for reinforcement, and a shaped opening for accommodating various wheel sizes, made from lightweight recyclable plastics, allowing for stable and compact bike storage without protruding above ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional concrete or dense material stands are used, then stability and weight resistance are improved, but the stand becomes heavy and unsightly in historic locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a thin-walled shell structure made of lightweight plastic material to replace traditional heavy concrete or dense material stands. The shell structure maintains sufficient mechanical strength while dramatically reducing weight, making the stand suitable for installation in historic town centers where aesthetic considerations are important.
2Ease of manufacture
If above-ground stands are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but they are unsightly and space-consuming in public areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the stand structure from an above-ground configuration to a sublevel configuration by extending the shell structure below the surrounding surface level. This dimensional change allows the stand to be recessed into the ground, making it aesthetically unobtrusive while maintaining installation simplicity through the modular shell design.
3Shape
If the stand is recessed below ground level, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stand into a modular shell structure that can be assembled in sections. This segmentation allows the complex sublevel installation to be broken down into manageable steps: preparing the excavation, assembling the shell modules, and securing them in place. The modular approach reduces overall installation complexity despite the recessed configuration.
4Weight of stationary object
If lightweight plastic material is used, then weight is reduced and aesthetics are improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction techniques where the lightweight plastic shell is reinforced with internal support structures and anchoring mechanisms. The shell itself may be made from high-strength, impact-resistant plastic materials that combine low density with adequate structural strength to support bicycle wheels and resist environmental forces.
Data Source
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AI summary
The sublevel bike stand includes an upper horizontal plate (1) for housing in the surrounding surface. It is provided with at least one elongated opening (2) with a shaped bottom for housing a bike wheel. The stand has a plastic shell structure and is provided with at least one protruding element (3) for arresting the stand in the material below the level of the surrounding surface. The protruding element (3) may be arranged on the outside of the shaped bottom of the opening (2). The upper plate (1) may be provided with a perimeter flange (4), where the angle (α) between the bottom area (5) of the upper plate (1) and the inner area (6) of the perimeter flange (4) is between 90° and 180°. The bottom edge of the perimeter flange (4) may be provided with a protruding element (3). The shaped bottom of the opening (2) for housing the wheel may include at least two partially overlapping circular segments (A), (B) having different maximum widths for housing wheels of different dimensions. A fastening element (7) for attaching a lock or an electrical socket (9) for charging electric bikes may be used.