Transformable Trailer

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2008

design:

Fan Jeng-Neng

 
With a few simple fold/unfold procedures, the Transformable Trailer can be transformed from a carrier rack above the rear wheel of a bicycle into a trailer towed behind, and vice versa.
 

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, more than 65% of people live on farms and in villages, with large distances between them. Less than 1% of the population owns a car or truck. Human porterage (either on the head, shoulders or back) is common in these rural areas, particularly where access roads are in a poor condition. Carrying items unaided requires significant labour and it is time consuming. Instead of human porterage, bicycles can also be an important means of transport in rural Africa, both for personal transport and for the transport of light goods. Different types of road and terrain conditions can cause difficulty, however. An adaptable bicycle transportation accessory for different road conditions is necessary.
 

This transformable trailer allows the cyclist to change the way it is used with few simple operations. The simple fold/unfold procedure can transform a carrier rack above the rear wheel into a trailer towed behind. With the help of rubber straps for tying goods, delivery can be made much easier. With consideration given to cost and maintenance, the principle parts of this foldable trailer have been designed in extruded aluminum. Using only one material, which is recyclable, the transformable trailer can be mass produced easily and have a huge impact on transportation in rural Africa.