Tilting Tricycle Carrier Platform for No-Lift Dual Loading

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing tricycle carriers require manual lifting and awkward positioning, posing a risk of injury to solo riders due to the weight and size of three-wheeled cycles, and often lack the capacity to transport two trikes simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A tricycle carrier with a tilting platform that rotates due to a center of gravity offset from a pivot axis, allowing a tricycle to be rolled onto the platform without lifting, and an optional accessory lift mechanism for single-person loading, enabling the transport of two trikes without lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual lifting is used to load tricycles onto carriers, then loading capability is achieved, but risk of injury increases due to weight and awkward positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidrisk of injury

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier platform is designed to tilt dynamically between a loaded position (contacting ground for rolling) and a transport position (elevated for vehicle mounting). This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for manual lifting by allowing the trike to roll onto the platform when it contacts the ground, then the platform tilts up for transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined ramp surface acts as an intermediary between the ground and the carrier platform. It provides a transition path that allows the trike to be rolled up onto the platform without lifting, converting vertical lifting motion into horizontal rolling motion along the incline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed platform carriers are used, then transport capability is achieved, but loading difficulty increases due to required lifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capabilityVSAvoidloading difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic tilting mechanism. The platform can tilt down to contact the ground for easy loading, then tilt up to the transport position for vehicle mounting. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between transport capability and loading ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier system performs the lifting function automatically through its own tilting mechanism rather than requiring external manual lifting. The platform tilts up on its own (or with minimal assistance) after the trike is rolled onto it, eliminating the need for persons to lift the heavy trike.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If ramps are added to facilitate rolling loading, then loading ease improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading easeVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp function is merged with the carrier platform itself rather than being a separate component. The platform serves dual purposes: as the transport surface and as the inclined ramp for loading. This integration eliminates the need for separate ramp attachments and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier platform performs multiple functions: it serves as the transport surface for vehicle mounting, the inclined ramp for loading, and the support structure for the trike. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated ramp components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Reduces the risk of injury by eliminating the need for manual lifting and allows for easy, single-person loading of one or two trikes, conserving time and effort by avoiding the need to fold or unfold trikes for transport.

Implementation Method 1

The carrier provides a tilting platform that rotates due to a center of gravity offset from a pivot axis, allowing a tricycle to be rolled onto the platform without lifting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCenter of gravity offset creating rotational moment: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11745636B1Vehicle mounted three wheeled cycle multi cycle carrier with tilt loading carrier platform

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 THOMPSON STEVEN WYNN

AI summary

A vehicle mounted multi tricycle carrier with tilting carrier platforms that enable loading multiple tricycle to the carrier without a person hand lifting the tricycle from the ground. The carrier incorporates a lifting boom accessory. The lifting boom is attached to the lower carrier structure and a second platform added to the lift boom allowing two tricycles to be carried.