Attachable Fix Point Strip for Roof Rack Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Clamp rack load carrier feet risk displacement during collisions and can deform or damage vehicles due to high clamping forces, lacking a stable attachment method.

Innovation Solution

An attachable fix point strip provides a provisional fixed position for the grip member of a clamp rack load carrier foot, featuring an attachment surface and a coupling surface with pre-determined positions, using adhesive or magnetic materials for attachment, and stop surfaces to prevent displacement and enhance clamping force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a clamp rack load carrier foot uses a clamping force as primary attachment principle, then it can be applied to many different types of vehicles and requires little or no manipulation of the vehicle, but it risks being displaced after assembly during a collision and can deform or damage the vehicle surface if the clamping force is too high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different vehicle typesVSAvoidstability during collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into two independent parts: the clamp rack load carrier foot and the attachable fix point strip. The fix point strip is attached separately to the vehicle surface and provides a stable anchor point, while the load carrier foot provides adaptability through its clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachable fix point strip acts as an intermediary element between the load carrier foot and the vehicle surface. It provides a stable fixation point that prevents displacement during collisions, while the load carrier foot maintains its adaptable clamping design for different vehicle types. The fix point strip mediates between the need for stability and the need for versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a clamp rack load carrier foot uses high clamping force to prevent displacement, then it improves stability, but it can deform or damage the vehicle surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability during collisionVSAvoiddamage to vehicle surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachable fix point strip serves as a mediator that absorbs the stabilizing function, allowing the load carrier foot to use lower clamping forces. The fix point strip is specifically designed to adhere to the vehicle surface without causing damage, while providing the necessary stability during collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fix point strip is attached beforehand to the vehicle surface to create a protective buffer zone. This pre-attached element prevents the need for high clamping forces that would otherwise be required to prevent displacement, thereby cushioning the vehicle surface from potential damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a fix point foot uses a predetermined position on the vehicle, then it provides stable attachment, but it requires manipulation of the vehicle during production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestable attachmentVSAvoidvehicle manipulation during production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation function is segmented from the vehicle production process. Instead of requiring predetermined positions to be created during vehicle manufacturing, the fix point strip is a separate, attachable component that provides stable fixation without interfering with vehicle production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachable fix point strip acts as an intermediary solution that provides the benefits of predetermined positions without requiring vehicle manipulation during production. It can be attached by the end user or at the manufacturing site without interfering with the vehicle production process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The fix point strip reduces the risk of displacement during collisions, allows lower clamping forces, simplifies roof rack assembly, and protects vehicle surfaces by providing a stable attachment point.

Implementation Method 1

The attachable fix point strip comprises an attachment surface for attachment to a surface of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The attachable fix point strip comprises an attachment surface for attachment to a surface of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9539950B2Attachable fix point strip

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 THULE SWEDEN AB

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fix point strip (20) to provide a provisional fix point position to a grip member (11) of a clamp rack load carrier foot (10), upon attachment to a vehicle (1). The fix point strip (20) comprises an attachment surface (25) for attaching to a surface of said vehicle (1) and a coupling surface (20) for interaction with said grip member (11) of said clamp rack load carrier foot (10). The coupling surface (30) comprises at least one pre determined position for said grip member (11). The present invention provides for a simple and cheap way of introducing a friction enhancing and means for preventing the grip member from being displaced in the event of e.g. a collision with another vehicle.