Two-wheeler Parking System With Horizontal Elastic Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-wheeler parking systems are user-unfriendly due to the presence of a 'dead center' in gas springs, requiring high forces for operation and being vulnerable to damage, and are not compact in design.

Innovation Solution

A two-wheeler parking system with a pivotable wheel gutter and an elastic system positioned horizontally, providing a constant lever with respect to the pivoting axis to support movement without a dead center, and optionally including a lock for the ride-on position to reduce user effort and enhance compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas spring is positioned to create a dead center in the park position, then the wheel gutter can be kept in position, but high forces are required for operation and the system becomes vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the linkage mechanism, specifically the positions of pivot points and the configuration of links, to transform the force characteristics of the gas spring. By adjusting the linkage geometry, the system eliminates the dead center position while maintaining the gas spring's supporting function throughout the entire range of motion, reducing peak forces required for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the gas spring and the wheel gutter. This linkage acts as a mediator that transforms the force output of the gas spring into a more favorable force profile for moving the wheel gutter, distributing the effort more evenly and eliminating the need for high peak forces at dead center positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the elastic element is positioned to provide support during pivoting, then user effort is reduced, but the overall dimensions of the system increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser effortVSAvoidsystem compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures the linkage mechanism and gas spring in a nested arrangement where components are positioned within the existing structural envelope of the wheel gutter assembly. The gas spring is mounted in a space-efficient manner within the linkage structure, allowing the system to provide full supporting force without increasing the overall external dimensions of the parking device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of the linkage mechanism by utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively. The linkage components are positioned in multiple dimensions around the pivot axis, allowing the gas spring to exert force through a compact configuration that provides full mechanical advantage without extending the system's footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system allows for easier and more controlled pivoting of the wheel gutter, reducing user effort and increasing safety by eliminating dead centers, while maintaining a compact design and minimizing vulnerability to damage.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic element is so positioned that during the pivoting movement there is a lever with respect to the pivoting axis for supporting the pivoting movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Implementation Method 2

an elastic system for supporting the pivoting movement between the park position and the ride-on position; wherein the elastic system comprises an elastic element which is so positioned that during the pivoting movement there is a lever with respect to the pivoting axis for supporting the pivoting movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3165434B1Two-wheeler parking system
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 VELOPA
  • EP3165434B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3165434B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3165434B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Two-wheeler parking system comprising a wheel gutter which is at least adjustable between a substantially horizontal park position and a ride-on position in which the wheel gutter extends obliquely downwards for riding a two-wheeler on and off, wherein the wheel gutter is pivotable between the park position and the ride-on position about a pivoting axis; furthermore comprising an elastic system for supporting the pivoting movement between the park position and the ride-on position; wherein the elastic system comprises an elastic element that traverses a first path (A) for a loaded condition and a second path (B) for an unloaded condition of the wheel gutter.