Automobile Display Canopy Anchor System Using Vehicle Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for protecting vehicles from the elements at car shows, such as tarps and collapsible tents, fail to provide effective anchoring and visibility, as they are not suitable for pavement, prone to being blown over, and do not accommodate various vehicle sizes, posing risks to the vehicles and limiting display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible automobile display canopy with an anchor system that secures to the ground using the vehicle's wheels, featuring telescoping legs and anchor platforms with tire stops, allowing for customization and portability to accommodate different vehicle sizes and preventing the canopy from being blown over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If collapsible patio tents are used to protect vehicles, then vehicles can be shielded from sun and rain, but the tents are prone to being blown over in wind and pose danger to vehicle paint
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy system uses the vehicle's own weight to anchor itself to the ground through the anchor plates positioned under the tires. The vehicle serves its dual purpose of both being protected and providing the anchoring force, eliminating the need for external anchoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy vehicle, which could potentially be damaged by wind-blown tents, instead becomes the anchoring mechanism itself. The vehicle's weight, which is necessary for display stability, is converted into the anchoring force that prevents the canopy from being blown over.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If permanent garages or sheds are used to protect vehicles, then vehicles are fully protected from elements, but they cannot be transported to show sites and limit viewer access
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy system is divided into separate modular components including the canopy top, four legs with anchor plates, and tire stops. This segmentation allows the system to be easily disassembled, transported to different show sites, and reconfigured for various vehicle sizes while providing full protection when assembled.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tarps or soft covers are used to protect vehicles, then vehicles are protected from weather, but the vehicles are completely concealed and cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The canopy provides localized protection only where needed - covering the vehicle's paint surface and sensitive areas from sun and rain - while leaving the rest of the vehicle exposed and visible. The transparent or translucent canopy material allows viewers to see the vehicle details while still receiving weather protection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If anchor plates are positioned to accommodate different vehicle sizes, then the system becomes more versatile, but the anchoring mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plates are designed with universal features including multiple mounting slots and adjustable tire stops that can accommodate different vehicle sizes and tire positions. The same basic anchor plate design serves multiple vehicles by adjusting the position of components rather than requiring different plate designs.
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile display canopy with an anchor system for securing the canopy to the ground using the automobile itself. The general components of the present invention are a collapsible canopy including at least four canopy legs, and four anchor platforms which hold the canopy in place and allow a vehicle to drive onto the plates, thereby securing the entire system to the ground. The anchors may include a single tire stop, signaling to the driver when the wheel reaches a stopping point. An alternative embodiment may include both a front stop and a rear stop. The legs of the canopy must be collapsible. They may telescope or be disassembled temporarily.