Three-Pivot Folding Bicycle Layout for Compact Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding bicycles are bulky, difficult to fold compactly, and often require complex procedures, making them inconvenient for storage and transport, and they lack ergonomic comfort and efficient power options.

Innovation Solution

A folding bicycle design with three primary pivot members and secondary pivot members, allowing for easy folding into a compact arrangement, combined with battery power and the elimination of a traditional chain drive mechanism, providing ergonomic comfort and ease of transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional folding bicycles use traditional chain drive mechanisms and pedals, then they can provide manual propulsion, but they require substantial manual effort causing rider sweat and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidmanual effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical chain drive system with a belt drive mechanism. The belt drive system eliminates the need for pedals and chain, providing propulsion through a different mechanical arrangement that reduces manual effort and rider sweat while maintaining the ability to propel the bicycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If folding bicycles use multiple pivot members for compact folding, then they can be folded into small volumes, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the frame into multiple segments connected by pivot members, allowing each segment to fold independently. This segmentation enables the bicycle to be folded into a compact volume while distributing the complexity across multiple simple, standardized pivot connections rather than one complex folding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent arranges the folding mechanism so that frame segments nest within each other when folded, with the front wheel assembly nesting within the frame structure and the rear wheel assembly nesting within the rear frame section. This nesting arrangement achieves compact folding volume while using straightforward pivot connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If folding bicycles use sturdy folding frame parts, then they can maintain structural integrity, but they become expensive and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidoverall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite or hybrid materials in the frame construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve both strength and weight reduction. The frame uses materials that provide sufficient structural integrity for sturdy folding parts while minimizing overall weight, avoiding the need for heavy metal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Area of stationary object

If folding bicycles are designed for compact storage, then they can be stored in small spaces, but they become bulky and difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the folding bicycle with dynamic, movable components that allow the structure to transition between extended and compact configurations. The pivot members and folding joints enable the bicycle to be easily collapsed into a compact form for storage while maintaining ease of deployment and transport through smooth, controlled motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12576938B2Folding bicycle and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CASABLANCAS JULIAN

AI summary

A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided. The folding bicycle comprises a frame having a first end and a second end; a first wheel connected to the second end of the frame, the first wheel and the frame being located in a first plane; a fork having a first end and a second end, the second end of the fork pivotally connected to the first end of the frame thereby allowing the fork to pivot about the first plane; a second wheel connected to the first end of the fork, the second wheel and the fork being located in a second plane; a first pivot member having a first pivot axis to allow the first end of the fork to pivot towards the second end of the fork about the first pivot axis; a second pivot member having a second pivot axis to allow the first end of the frame to pivot towards the second end of the frame about the second pivot axis; and a third pivot member having a third pivot axis to allow the second end of the frame to pivot towards the first end of the frame about the third pivot axis.