JACK

2015 / Pratt Institute
A folding bicycle study for the mixed-mode commuter.

“Jack” expands and collapses the way a jackknife or switch blade flips via a liner lock. Spring steel inserts at each joint locks the bike into its expanded shape while riding. Through pressure, they can be released or unlocked in sequence to collapse the bike frame. The rear wheel tucks neatly into the center of the bike frame, and the front wheel folds back. This method allows the bike to contract by minimizing in length, without having to sacrifice an increase in width.

Expanded Draft.JPG
Folded Draft.JPG

LOOSE IDEATION

Prior to exploring folding bicycles, I targeted opportunities to make improvements to train interiors for housing commuter bikes. Conceived storage systems include dedicated train carriages, foldable/automated bike racks, and under seat bike locks. Systems either maximized the train's capacity to house bikes, or eased the commuter's experience with storage and security aboard the train.

After examining various train interior solutions, I turned my attention towards designing a compact bicycle to address the issue of minimizing size, space, and weight. The final bike sketch explores the possibility of a rear wheel folding into a bike frame, which prompted a progression into full scale appearance model making.

 

FULL SCALE BUILD

Prototyping.jpg

Conclusive appearance model machined out of hard wood, with articulate joints, collapsed with rear wheel folded into main bike frame. Opportunities remain to fully detail liner lock mechanism, as well as the automation of collapsing and expanding.