FLEX SHARE
How do you combine car parking spaces with bicycle parking spaces?
How can car parking spaces also be made available for bicycles in a flexible way? That was the initial question for the ideas competition Take a seat! Press Michi !, advertised by the Mobility Lab Graz.
Taking into account the relevant aspects such as good usability, simple and cheap production as well as installation and an aesthetic that integrates well into the cityscape, a flexible wheel bracket was designed that impressed the jury and won the competition. The first prototypes based on this idea are currently being tested.
2020 / Winning project ideas competition Nimm Platz! Drück Michi!
During the idea generation process, different options were explored as to where and how the bike rack should be installed.
The option of sinking the device into the asphalt was quickly discarded because it would require extensive work. Any possibility of rolling over the device was also ruled out because this is not appealing to either the driver or the cyclist. With ground-level solutions, dirt and the associated maintenance work play a decisive role.
First and foremost, we looked for solutions that would allow folding from outside the parking space into it.
Since the wheel bar is to be visible to the user, the starting position is vertical . Furthermore, a solution was sought that would promise a very low-complexity mechanism without joints that requires no maintenance.
THE IDEA
The heart of the concept is the suspension of the wheel bar. The shape automatically positions the bar in the start and end position with the help of gravity. The rubberized surface of the suspension provides a little friction for better fixation and also provides sound insulation.
By simply tilting and pulling the upper end of the bracket past the dead center, it tilts into the horizontal position.
THE CONCEPT
This concept is designed to be formally completely simple and coherent . Both side surfaces can be used for any product labeling, sponsor advertising, etc.
The mechanism is mounted on two flat steel plates, which are screwed to the floor with the anchorage and the support for the rods on it.
The anchorage can be screwed or embedded in concrete.
THE DESIGN
Previous project:
Next project:
