Electromagnetic Carrier Coupling to Prevent Vehicle Rack Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier systems for motor vehicles lack a secure and convenient mechanism to prevent accidental or unauthorized separation from the vehicle, especially during transportation of loads like luggage or bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A support apparatus with integrated electromagnets, an electrical device, and a control unit that provides a magnetic holding force, which can be activated and deactivated using a switch, pushbutton, or remote control, ensuring secure attachment and detachment of carrier systems to the vehicle, with features like battery monitoring and power management to prevent over-discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fastening clamps are used to secure carrier systems to roof rails, then the carrier system can be firmly attached to the vehicle, but the mechanism lacks prevention against accidental or unauthorized separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical fastening clamp system with an electromagnetic fastening system. Electromagnets integrated into the roof rails provide additional holding force to secure the carrier system, preventing accidental separation while maintaining ease of operation through electrical control rather than manual mechanical adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary element between the roof rails and carrier system. These magnets provide an additional securing mechanism that works in conjunction with the mechanical fastening clamps, creating a multi-layered security system that prevents unauthorized or accidental separation without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If electromagnets are integrated into the holding structure to provide magnetic holding force, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electromagnet system with the existing holding structure (roof rails). The electromagnets are integrated directly into the roof rails, combining the mechanical support function with the electromagnetic securing function in a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding electromagnetic functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support through the roof rails, electrical connection through integrated contacts, and magnetic holding force through embedded electromagnets. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving secure attachment.
3Reliability
If the electromagnet is continuously activated to maintain secure coupling, then the carrier system remains firmly attached, but the battery charge is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The system uses sensors to detect when the carrier system is properly positioned and activated the electromagnet only during the fastening and unfastening processes, or when security is required, thereby maintaining reliable coupling while minimizing battery charge consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback on the coupling status, carrier position, and security requirements. Based on this feedback, the control unit intelligently activates or deactivates the electromagnet, ensuring secure coupling when needed while conserving battery charge during normal transportation when the carrier is already securely attached.
4Device complexity
If mechanical fastening clamps alone are used without additional securing mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the carrier system can be easily separated accidentally or unauthorizedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different types of fastening mechanisms at different locations: mechanical fastening clamps provide the primary structural attachment, while electromagnets provide additional localized securing force at critical points. This distributed approach enhances security against unauthorized separation while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular implementation.
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 solution provides a secure and convenient mechanism to prevent accidental separation of carrier systems from vehicles, ensuring stable transportation while allowing easy activation and deactivation for use, with power management to protect the battery and extend its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The support apparatus has a set of electromagnets (10), wherein each electromagnet (10) is designed to generate a magnetic holding force
Data Source
AI summary
A support apparatus having a holding structure for forming a motor vehicle/carrier coupling, wherein the holding structure has an electromagnet for generating a magnetic holding force as a safeguard against accidental or unauthorized separation of the motor vehicle/carrier coupling, wherein a control unit, which is configured in such a manner that a charge state of a battery for supplying the electromagnet with electrical power is monitored at least when the electromagnet is activated.