Swing-Arm Bicycle Rack for Vertical Storage Without Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle storage systems require significant horizontal space and often leave bicycles with mud or dirt on the floor, and there is a need for an efficient system that easily engages and disengages with bicycles without using straps or fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle rack system that engages a bicycle's wheel using a swing arm and multiple cradles, allowing the bicycle to be mounted vertically or horizontally, with the wheel securely held by cradles without contacting the frame, and disengaged without additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional bicycle stands support the bicycle in a riding position, then the bicycle is stored horizontally, but this requires storage space at least the length of the bicycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage to vertical storage by pivoting the swing arm, changing the dimensional orientation of bicycle storage. This allows the bicycle to be stored in a compact vertical space rather than requiring horizontal space equal to the bicycle length, while the pivot mechanism enables easy engagement and disengagement operations
2Reliability
If bicycle storage systems use straps or fasteners to secure the bicycle, then the bicycle is held firmly, but these components must be separately applied and removed
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm mechanism is self-securing through its pivot design. When the bicycle wheel is placed in the cradle, the swing arm naturally pivots to a locked position that secures the bicycle without requiring separate straps or fasteners. To disengage, the user simply pivots the swing arm back, and the bicycle can be removed without any additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for separate securing components like straps, fasteners, or locks. The securing function is extracted and integrated into the swing arm pivot mechanism itself, which provides both support and security through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for additional separate parts
3Ease of manufacture
If the bicycle is leaned on its kickstand, then storage is simple, but the bicycle leaves mud or dirt on the floor and the handlebars may scuff the walls
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel cradle acts as an intermediary between the bicycle and the storage structure. It supports the bicycle wheel in a suspended position, preventing the kickstand from contacting the floor (avoiding dirt transfer) and keeping the handlebars away from walls (preventing scuffing), while maintaining storage simplicity
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 system provides secure bicycle storage that saves space and prevents dirt transfer, allowing easy engagement and disengagement without straps or fasteners, and can be adapted for multiple bicycles using a cart assembly for efficient handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
The swing arm is pivotally coupled to the structural member
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle rack system to hold a bicycle including a structural member, a swing arm and a plurality of wheel cradles. The swing arm is pivotally coupled to the structural member. The plurality of wheel cradles each have a shape to accommodate a shape of a wheel of the bicycle, and include a first wheel cradle and a second wheel cradle. The first wheel cradle is secured to a distal end of the swing arm, and the second wheel cradle is coupled to the structural member.