Vehicle Article Carrier with Collapsible Clamp for Reduced Wind Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article carriers for vehicles, such as ski and snowboard racks, face issues with adaptability to different vehicle configurations, inability to accommodate bulky equipment, and increased wind resistance due to their height, leading to inconvenient removal and potential fuel efficiency reductions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with an expanding hinge and flexible gripping strips that can nest into a compact, aerodynamic profile when not in use, featuring a ratcheting latch and adaptable crossbar clamps with conformable pads and straps to securely hold various shapes and sizes of skis and snowboards, while minimizing height and wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If article carriers are mounted on vehicle roof tops to carry equipment, then the carrier can securely hold skis, snowboards, and other items, but the height profile of the vehicle increases causing wind resistance and fuel efficiency problems
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device employs an expanding hinge mechanism that allows the carrier to dynamically change its configuration between a compact low-profile state for reduced wind resistance and an expanded state for secure equipment holding. The hinge enables the carrier to adapt its shape based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device features nested components including expandable hinge elements and collapsible gripping structures that can be compacted into a minimal profile when not in use, reducing the overall height and aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clamp devices are designed with fixed structure to securely hold equipment, then the carrier provides stable support, but the device cannot adapt to different vehicle or factory rack configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device incorporates an expanding hinge with adjustable geometry that can adapt to different crossbar configurations and rack systems. The hinge mechanism allows the clamp to change its structural configuration to match various mounting scenarios while maintaining stable support for the carried equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device is designed with universal adaptability to work with different vehicle roof rack systems, crossbar shapes, and equipment types. The expandable hinge and adjustable components enable a single device to serve multiple mounting configurations and carry various items including skis, snowboards, and other gear.
3Loss of energy
If the carrier structure is made compact to reduce wind resistance, then fuel efficiency improves, but the carrier cannot accommodate skis or snowboards with bulky bindings or attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device uses an expanding hinge mechanism that allows it to transition from a compact low-profile configuration for fuel efficiency to an expanded configuration with increased vertical clearance to accommodate bulky bindings and attachments on skis and snowboards.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable hinge is designed to provide preliminary expansion capability before equipment is loaded, allowing the carrier to preemptively create the necessary space for bulky items, and can be collapsed after loading to minimize wind resistance during transport.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp device is designed with complex expanding mechanisms to provide adjustability, then the device can secure equipment of different shapes and thicknesses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable hinge mechanism provides dynamic adjustability for different equipment shapes and thicknesses through a relatively simple mechanical design. The hinge allows natural expansion and contraction movements that adapt to various load configurations without requiring complex control systems or multiple adjustable components.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack for carrying skis and snowboards on top of a vehicle includes a pair of clamp devices equipped for mounting on a pair of crossbars. Each clamp device has a collapsible position which reduces its forward facing profile when not being used to carry cargo items.