Collapsible Gutter-Mounted Roof Rack for Easy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roof racks are difficult to remove and reattach, can damage vehicles by resting on unsupported areas, and are cumbersome to store due to their large size, with potential for insecure loading during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible roof rack design featuring elongate members that fit into vehicle gutters and rotatable support members to suspend loads above the vehicle's middle portion, allowing for easy installation, secure transport, and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roof rack is designed to be easily removable and reattachable, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The roof rack is divided into separate modular components: elongate members, support members, and receivers. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled through simple insertion into receivers, enabling easy installation while maintaining structural integrity when assembled. The segmented design allows quick attachment and removal without compromising stability during use.
2Ease of operation
If the support members rest on the middle portion of the vehicle roof, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage to the roof
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are extracted from direct contact with the vehicle roof surface. Instead of resting on the middle portion of the roof, the support members extend between the elongate members to suspend the load above the roof. This extraction eliminates the harmful effect of concentrated loads on the roof while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Strength
If the roof rack is designed with fixed dimensions for load support, then strength is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in storage
Solution Approach 1:
The roof rack transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The support members can rotate relative to the elongate members, allowing the rack to shift between an extended configuration for load support and a collapsed configuration for storage. This dynamic capability maintains full load-bearing strength when deployed while enabling compact storage when not in use.
4Strength
If the support members are rigidly connected to elongate members, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid connection is segmented into separate components: elongate members with receivers and support members that insert into these receivers. This segmentation creates a simple assembly process where components are independently positioned and connected through insertion, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the rigid structural connection needed for load support capacity.
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 design enables convenient installation and secure transport of items while avoiding damage to the vehicle's roof, supports heavy loads, and allows for compact storage when not in use, enhancing user convenience and vehicle protection.
Implementation Method 1
The support members and two elongate members can be rotatably coupled together to enable the roof rack to be collapsed for storage. Each support member may rotate to enable the rack to be reconfigured between the deployed configuration and the collapsed configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
Roof racks for carrying items for a vehicle are disclosed herein. The roof rack may include a plurality of support members, two elongate members, and a plurality of braces on each elongate member. The elongate members may fit within the rain gutters of a vehicle. Each of the support members may comprise a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of a support member may be configured to slip fit in a receiver on one of the two elongate members and the second end portion of the support member may be configured to slip fit in a receiver on the other of the two elongate members. Items may be secured to the roof rack with one or more straps.