Angled T-Top Storage Rack with Foldable Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for T-tops in sport utility vehicles are inadequate as they do not provide secure and convenient storage, often leading to damage due to shifting and impact within the vehicle's trunk or cargo area.
Innovation Solution
A storage rack with two sets of arms that can hold T-tops at an angle in the vehicle's rear compartment, allowing for full rear window visibility, and can be secured to the vehicle to prevent movement, with the option to fold into a flat stow position for reduced space usage, and includes a hook to keep the hatch or glove box lid open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If T-tops are stored in vinyl sleeves in the trunk or cargo area, then they are protected from direct contact damage, but they still shift during vehicle motion and are prone to impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system divides the cargo space into dedicated zones using a rack structure with multiple arms and positioning points, segmenting the T-top storage from general cargo area and preventing shifting during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is pre-configured with arms and positioning mechanisms that are set up before T-top insertion, creating a predetermined secure storage configuration that prevents movement and impact damage from the outset
2Illumination intensity
If a storage rack with arms is used to store T-tops at an angle, then full rear visibility is maintained, but the rack occupies more space when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The rack arms are designed to be collapsible and adjustable, allowing the structure to transition between an expanded configuration for T-top storage (maintaining rear visibility) and a collapsed configuration that minimizes cargo area occupancy when not in use
3Reliability
If the storage rack is secured to the vehicle, then movement during operation is prevented, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates self-aligning mounting features and tool-free attachment mechanisms that allow the structure to secure itself to the vehicle without complex installation procedures, achieving both stability and ease of installation
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack provides convenient and secure storage of vehicle roof panels or “T-tops”. The storage rack can be used both in a rear compartment of the vehicle during travel or outside the vehicle such as in a garage. The storage rack has two sets of arms to store the T-tops at an angle in the rear compartment of the vehicle to give the driver full visibility out the rear window. The storage rack arms can be put into a flat stow position to reduce the space taken by the storage rack when not being used for storage of the T-tops. The storage rack may be secured to the vehicle to prevent movement during operation of the vehicle. A hook may be incorporated into the storage rack to secure a hatch or glove box lid in the open position.