Swinging Locking Mechanism for Bicycle Rack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle racks have complex structures that complicate assembly and operation, particularly due to narrow operating spaces that hinder easy loading and unloading of bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A swinging locking mechanism with a movable rod and operating member that engages with a pivot seat, allowing the rod to be locked or released for easy swinging, featuring a simple structure and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed vertical post is used to connect to the carrying frame, then the structure is stable, but the operating space is narrow and loading/unloading is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the operating member (20), the movable rod (10) with engaging portions (11, 220), and the pivot seat (210). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining the swinging capability for improved access.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical post transitions from a fixed connection to a dynamic swinging connection through the pivotal mechanism. The movable rod (10) can swing between a locked position (restricting the post) and an unlocked position (allowing the post to swing), enabling the structure to adapt between stability and accessibility as needed.
2Ease of operation
If a complex pivotal mechanism is used to allow the vertical post to swing, then the operating space is improved, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (the movable rod with engaging portions) independent from the main pivotal connection. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by separating the swinging capability from the locking function, making each component simpler and easier to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve swinging motion, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple locking mechanism that restricts swinging when engaged. The operating member (20) directly controls the locking state through linear movement, reversing the conventional wisdom that swinging mechanisms require complex linkages.
3Device complexity
If the operating member moves in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the movable rod, then the structure is simplified, but the engagement mechanism must be precisely designed
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portions (11, 220) are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide precise alignment through their interlocking shapes. The L-shaped cross-section and complementary features ensure proper orientation during assembly, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portions are designed to self-align and self-lock during assembly. The geometric features of the engaging portions automatically guide the components into the correct relative positions, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or high-precision machining tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
A swinging locking mechanism configured to be mounted to a bicycle rack includes a movable rod configured to be movably mounted to a pivot seat of the bicycle rack, and an operating member. The movable rod defines an axial direction and includes at least one second engaging portion which is releasably engaged with at least one first engaging portion of the pivot seat. The operating member is connected with the at least one second engaging portion, and an operational direction of the operating member is parallel to the axial direction. The bicycle rack including the swinging locking mechanism is further provided, and further includes: a carrying frame, having at least one of the pivot seat and configured to carry at least one bicycle. The movable rod is transverse to the carrying frame and configured to restrict the at least one bicycle.