Adjustable Canopy Bracket for Vehicle Roll Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing canopy brackets for vehicles are not adaptable to the varying angles of roll bars across different manufacturers, requiring a large number of brackets to achieve a horizontal canopy orientation, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable canopy bracket system that includes a lower and upper bracket plate securely attachable to the roll bar, with an adjustable height mechanism using a threaded bolt and locking nuts, allowing the canopy to be positioned at any desired angle relative to the roll bar, accommodating different roll bar orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-angle brackets are used to accommodate different roll bar orientations, then the canopy can be positioned horizontally for various manufacturers, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can accommodate roll bars with different angles (vertical, tilted, inclined) and can position the canopy at various orientations. This is achieved through the combination of the channel member with adjustable positioning features and the support member with rotational capability, allowing a single bracket design to replace multiple fixed-angle bracket variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different configurations during installation and use. The channel member can be positioned at different locations along the roll bar, and the support member can be rotated to change the canopy angle, transforming a static fixed-angle bracket into a dynamic adjustable system.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed-angle brackets are used for each roll bar orientation, then the canopy positioning is precise for each case, but the manufacturing cost and supply chain requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single bracket design serves multiple manufacturing purposes by accommodating different roll bar angles and canopy orientations through adjustment mechanisms rather than requiring separate precision-matched bracket variants for each application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly allows for parameter changes in positioning and orientation through mechanical adjustment rather than manufacturing different brackets with fixed parameters. The channel member position and support member angle can be varied to match different roll bar configurations without requiring new manufacturing tooling or precision specifications.
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
Enables the canopy to be positioned horizontally or at any desired angle relative to the roll bar, regardless of the roll bar's angle, using a single adjustable bracket system, reducing the need for multiple brackets and enhancing versatility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable canopy bracket for adjustably supporting a canopy to a roll bar of a vehicle, including a lower bracket plate securely positionable about a lower portion of a roll bar member of the roll bar; an upper bracket plate securely positionable about an upper portion of the roll bar member, the upper bracket plate engageable with a forward portion of the canopy; and an adjustable height mechanism engageable with a rearward portion of the canopy, the adjustable height mechanism operable with a rearward portion of the upper bracket plate, wherein adjusting the adjustable height mechanism raises and lowers the rearward portion of the canopy to provide a desired angle of the canopy relative to the roll bar member. An adjustable canopy for attaching to a roll bar of a vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.