Concealable Motor Vehicle Cargo Rack System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo racks for oversized items are fixed and exposed on vehicles, compromising aesthetics and increasing aerodynamic drag when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A cargo system with adjustable, concealable racks that can be stowed behind vehicle body panels, featuring a frame assembly, rack arm, and coupling system allowing vertical deployment and concealment, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed cargo racks are used, then cargo support functionality is provided, but vehicle appearance is compromised and aerodynamic drag increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo rack system transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable one. The rack arm can be positioned in multiple states: extended outward to support cargo, retracted into the body panel cavity to improve appearance and reduce drag. This dynamic positioning capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the rack to adapt its configuration based on whether cargo support is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack arm and support structure are designed to nest within the body panel cavity when not in use. The coupling system allows the rack arm to be stored inside the vehicle body, effectively hiding the cargo rack structure during normal driving conditions. This nesting approach maintains vehicle aesthetics while preserving cargo support functionality when required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed cargo racks are used, then cargo support functionality is provided, but aerodynamic drag increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system dynamically adjusts its position based on operational needs. When cargo is not being transported, the rack arm retracts into the body panel, presenting a streamlined vehicle profile that reduces aerodynamic drag and improves fuel efficiency. When cargo transport is needed, the rack extends to provide support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo rack functionality is extracted from a permanent fixed structure and made movable. The rack arm can be removed from its extended position and stored within the body panel cavity, separating the cargo support function from the vehicle's permanent structure. This allows the vehicle to operate in a clean aerodynamic configuration during normal driving.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rack arm is extended for cargo support, then cargo support capability is provided, but vehicle appearance becomes unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The rack arm is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to transition between extended and retracted states. When cargo support is not needed, the rack arm retracts into the body panel cavity, restoring the vehicle's original aesthetic appearance. This dynamic state change resolves the visual contradiction.
4Adaptability or versatility
If coupling system allows multiple positions, then rack adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system provides dynamic adjustability with multiple locking positions along the body panel. This allows the rack arm to be positioned at various heights and angles to accommodate different cargo types and sizes. While this increases adjustability, the coupling mechanism is designed to provide stable locking at each position to ensure cargo security.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cargo system for supporting cargo on a vehicle, and a vehicle provided with the cargo system. The cargo system includes a plurality of racks to be arranged at different positions along a length of the vehicle comprising. The racks include a frame assembly configured to cooperate with an internal structure of the vehicle. A rack arm is adjustable relative to the frame assembly, and a coupling system couples the rack arm to the frame assembly in a plurality of different positions. The different positions include at least: (a) a recessed position relative to a body panel of the vehicle, and (b) a deployed position extending vertically above the body panel of the vehicle for supporting the cargo vertically above a portion of the vehicle. A rack support cooperates with the rack arm and is configured to support the cargo.