Vehicle Carrier Fixing Apparatus with Trunk-Actuated Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle carriers require complex devices for installation and detachment, taking up valuable time and complicating the process, and often fail to securely attach the carrier during sudden movements or high-speed travel.
Innovation Solution
A fixing apparatus for vehicle carriers that uses vertical and horizontal supports with a U-shaped article mount and rotating wheel, coupled with a female and male coupler system, allowing the carrier to be easily fixed and adjusted by opening and closing the vehicle trunk, ensuring stability through engaging and disengaging mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complicated fixing device is used to attach the carrier to the vehicle, then the carrier can be securely fixed, but the installation and detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus is divided into separate male and female couplers that can be independently positioned. The male coupler attaches to the vehicle roof while the female coupler is mounted on the carrier, allowing each component to be optimized separately and simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the vehicle and carrier. By using this intermediate fixing structure with simple engagement and disengagement motions, the complex interaction between the carrier weight and vehicle mounting points is resolved through a straightforward coupling interface.
2Reliability
If a complicated fixing device is used to attach the carrier to the vehicle, then the carrier can be securely fixed, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The male and female couplers are pre-positioned on the vehicle and carrier respectively before assembly. This preliminary positioning allows for quick alignment and engagement when installing the carrier, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow for dynamic adaptation during installation. The couplers can be easily positioned and adjusted to accommodate slight variations in mounting locations, enabling rapid installation without precise pre-measurement.
3Ease of operation
If the carrier is designed for easy installation by simple trunk opening/closing, then the installation process is simplified, but the carrier stability during sudden movements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing apparatus merges the simplicity of trunk-based operation with robust mechanical coupling. The male and female couplers are positioned to engage during normal trunk opening/closing motions, combining the ease of daily trunk operation with reliable carrier fixation that resists sudden movements and high-speed travel forces.
4Productivity
If the coupler system is designed for quick engagement, then the installation is fast, but the securing strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler design incorporates curved or rounded engagement surfaces that allow for smooth, quick engagement while maintaining strong mechanical interlocking. The geometry of the male and female coupler interfaces is optimized to guide rapid alignment while providing sufficient surface area and mechanical advantage for strong securing force during travel.
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 quick, simple, and stable attachment of the carrier without swaying, even under adverse conditions like sudden acceleration or high speeds, with easy handling of exposed fixing straps for secure fastening.
Implementation Method 1
the rotating wheel 48 rolls along a roof of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the female coupler engages with the male coupler, such that the carrier is fixed to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fixing apparatus for quickly and simply fixing a carrier for vehicles to a vehicle, the fixing apparatus including: a female coupler which is installed in the vicinity of a rotating wheel at an end portion of an article mount; and a male coupler which is fixed to a roof of the vehicle and detachably coupled to the female coupler, in which when a trunk of the vehicle is opened in a state in which the carrier is installed, the article mount moves forward toward a front side of the vehicle, the female coupler is separated from the male coupler, and the rotating wheel rolls along a roof of the vehicle, and when the trunk is closed, the article mount moves rearward, and the female coupler engages with the male coupler, such that the carrier is fixed to the vehicle.