Bicycle Trailer Drawbar Pivot Mechanism for Mode Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle trailers face challenges in quick and easy conversion between bicycle trailer mode and trolley mode, often requiring significant effort and limiting access to the transport platform, with existing solutions either restricting access or requiring cumbersome transformations.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle trailer design featuring a chassis with pivot-mounted wheels, a crutch, and a drawbar with a caster, allowing for stable positions in both modes, along with a controlled pivoting system to facilitate effortless conversion, where the drawbar pivots to lift the chassis in trolley mode, enabling easy loading and unloading without significant effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trailer is converted from bicycle trailer mode to cart mode using prior art solutions, then the trailer can be used as a cart, but the conversion requires significant effort and is not quick or easy
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar is made dynamically convertible between two stable positions (bicycle trailer mode and cart mode) through a pivot joint mechanism. This allows the drawbar to adapt its configuration based on the desired mode, enabling easy transformation from static to dynamic functionality without requiring significant effort or complex modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the pivot joint for position changes, the caster wheel for cart mode stability, and the bicycle attachment system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall conversion process simple and efficient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drawbar is equipped with a caster and pivot joint for cart mode conversion, then the trailer can move stably in cart mode, but the conversion process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The drawbar serves multiple functions: it acts as the attachment point for the bicycle in trailer mode, provides structural support in cart mode, and incorporates a caster wheel for stable movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each mode, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving stability in both configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The caster wheel is integrated directly into the drawbar structure, merging the casting function with the drawbar's structural role. This combination eliminates the need for separate casting mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity while ensuring stable movement in cart mode.
3Ease of operation
If the support leg is positioned close to the running surface for easy deployment, then the support leg can be easily positioned, but it may interfere with the drawbar pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The support leg is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the drawbar pivoting path. By placing the support leg's contact point with the running surface at a specific distance, the system ensures that the support leg's vertical support function does not interfere with the horizontal pivoting motion of the drawbar, allowing both functions to coexist without conflict.
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
Enables quick and effortless conversion between bicycle trailer and trolley modes without limiting access to the loading platform, allowing for stable and efficient transportation of loads without requiring significant user effort.
Implementation Method 1
the drawbar being configured so that, when pivoting to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode to its stable position in trolley mode, the wheel(s) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis
Implementation Method 2
a chassis equipped with at least one pair of wheels mounted in pivot connection with the chassis to roll on a rolling surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle trailer comprising: - a chassis (19) equipped with at least one pair of wheels (21); - a kickstand (25) mounted on the chassis (19) to be moved between a stable folded position and a stable deployed position for which the wheels (21) and the free end (25a) of the kickstand (25) define a kickstand support plane (PB);- a drawbar (29) having an end provided with at least one wheel (31), the drawbar being mounted by a pivot joint (32) on the chassis to occupy at least one stable position in bicycle trailer mode and one stable position in trolley mode for which the wheels and the wheel(s) define a drawbar support plane (PT), the drawbar (29) being configured so that, when pivoting to move from its stable position in bicycle trailer mode to its stable position in trolley mode, the wheel(s) (31) come into contact with the rolling surface to lift the chassis so that in the stable position in trailer mode, the drawbar support plane (PT) is further from the chassis than the support plane (PB).;