Crossbar Clamp Jaw Notch Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The diversity in crossbar shapes and sizes poses a challenge for rack manufacturers to create adaptable solutions for various vehicle roof crossbars, requiring a large number of adapters for different installations.

Innovation Solution

A clamp assembly with movable jaw members, featuring internal surfaces with concave notches to grip crossbars of different shapes and dimensions, allowing for secure attachment of cargo items like bikes, boats, and cargo boxes to vehicle crossbars, regardless of their shape or size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters are used to accommodate different crossbar shapes and sizes, then compatibility with various crossbars is improved, but device complexity and the number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various crossbarsVSAvoidnumber of adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is designed with a universal jaw member featuring multiple notches of different shapes and sizes that can accommodate various crossbar configurations. This single multi-functional component replaces the need for multiple specialized adapters, allowing the same clamp assembly to securely attach to round, square, oval, and other crossbar shapes without requiring separate adapters for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single clamp design is used for all crossbar types, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different crossbar shapes and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adaptersVSAvoidcompatibility with various crossbars

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw member is segmented into multiple notches with different geometries (round, square, oval, etc.) that can selectively engage with corresponding crossbar shapes. This segmentation allows a single jaw member to provide multiple adaptation options, maintaining simplicity in the overall clamp design while achieving versatility across different crossbar types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom adapters are manufactured for each crossbar shape, then compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various crossbarsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adapter functions are merged into a single jaw member component. Instead of manufacturing separate adapters for each crossbar shape, the invention combines all adaptation capabilities into one integrated part with multiple notches, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity, cost, and time while maintaining full compatibility with various crossbar types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10583784B2Crossbar clamp devices

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 YAKIMA PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

Racks are used to carry cargo on top of vehicles. Racks include crossbars and assemblies configured to secure specific cargo items to the crossbars. Clamps for connecting cargo-specific assemblies to the crossbars, include first and second jaws, and an adjustment device for selectively controlling horizontal relative movement between the jaws.