The Ford Motor Company Designed a Bike That Can Be Deflated to Store
Laura McQuarrie — April 28, 2017 — Autos
When it comes to bicycles, the word "inflatable" is most often used to describe a bike's tires, but engineers at The Ford Motor Company have developed an inflatable bike concept.
As much as bikes are a convenient and relatively small-scale form of transportation, they still take up a sizeable amount of space within cars and homes when not in use. To make it much more convenient for people to store their bicycles when not in use, Ford imagines that consumers should be able to deflate the frame of their bike. Other parts of the bike, such as the seat, pedals, chain and handlebars would retain traditional designs.
It is imagined that the inflatable parts of the bike would be made of durable, rigid rubber, much like a bike's tire wheels.
As much as bikes are a convenient and relatively small-scale form of transportation, they still take up a sizeable amount of space within cars and homes when not in use. To make it much more convenient for people to store their bicycles when not in use, Ford imagines that consumers should be able to deflate the frame of their bike. Other parts of the bike, such as the seat, pedals, chain and handlebars would retain traditional designs.
It is imagined that the inflatable parts of the bike would be made of durable, rigid rubber, much like a bike's tire wheels.
Trend Themes
1. Inflatable Bicycles - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Designing inflatable bicycles that can be easily deflated and stored, making it more convenient for consumers.
2. Compact Transportation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing compact transportation solutions, such as deflatable bicycles, that offer space-saving benefits for both cars and homes.
3. Flexible Frame Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the use of durable, flexible frame technology to create versatile and easily storable bicycles.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with automakers to design inflatable bicycles that seamlessly integrate into the transportation ecosystem.
2. Sports and Recreation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating inflatable bicycles that cater to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
3. Smart Home - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Partnering with smart home technology companies to develop deflatable bicycles that can be easily stored within connected homes.
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