Tailgate Bike Strap with Protective Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting bicycles in pickup trucks are either inadequate in safety, as they may scratch the tailgate or fail to securely hold the bicycle, such as draping a blanket or using external racks.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle mounting device with a base strap, upper and lower transverse straps, and a flexible core that securely attaches to the truck tailgate and bicycle frame, using adjustable and locking elements to prevent scratching and ensure stability, featuring durable and weather-resistant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a blanket is draped over the tailgate to protect the bicycle, then the tailgate is protected from scratches, but the bicycle is not securely held and may move during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into multiple functional segments: a base strap with protective core for tailgate attachment, transverse straps for bicycle frame securing, and separate fastening elements. Each segment performs a specific function - the base strap protects against scratching while the transverse straps provide secure holding, resolving the contradiction between protection and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The base strap with flexible protective core acts as an intermediary between the mounting device and the tailgate. This intermediary element provides both scratch protection and secure attachment points, allowing the device to simultaneously protect the tailgate and securely hold the bicycle through its integrated design.
2Reliability
If external carrying racks are attached to the tailgate or truck bed, then the bicycle can be securely held, but the device becomes complex and may scratch the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The base strap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the tailgate from scratches through its soft fabric surface, provides secure attachment points for the transverse straps, and distributes mounting forces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective pads and mounting hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the protective function and the mounting function into a single integrated base strap assembly. The soft fabric bottom surface provides protection while the same strap structure provides secure attachment, combining previously separate functions into one unified component that reduces complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid mounting structures are used to securely hold the bicycle, then the bicycle is held firmly, but the tailgate may be scratched or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The base strap exhibits local quality differentiation: the bottom surface uses soft fabric material specifically at the contact point with the tailgate to prevent scratching, while the top surface and transverse straps use more durable, secure materials for holding the bicycle. This localized material selection allows the device to simultaneously protect the tailgate and securely mount the bicycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The base strap is constructed as a composite structure with a soft fabric bottom surface layer and a more durable fabric top surface layer, potentially with intermediate layers for structural integrity. This composite construction allows the device to provide both scratch protection at the tailgate interface and secure holding capability at the bicycle interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle mounting device that is provided that includes a base strap having a soft fabric bottom surface, a flexible protective core, and a durable fabric top surface, having a proximal end and a distal end with a length that spans from the top to bottom regions of a truck tailgate, where the base strap includes an adjustable length securing element to secure the base strap to the tailgate, an upper transverse strap is disposed proximal to the base strap proximal end with a length that wraps about a bicycle frame tube, and includes a top strap fastening element configured to secure about the frame tube, and at least one lower strap that is transverse to the base strap and below the upper transverse strap, where the lower strap has a length that wraps about a bicycle fork arm and secures about the bicycle fork arm.