Extendable Roof Rack Crossbar With Centered Telescopic Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo crossbars are typically set to a fixed length, which does not accommodate varying distances between mounting locations on vehicles, limiting their versatility for different use cases.
Innovation Solution
A roof rack crossbar assembly with moveable sections and a pulley-cable mechanism that allows the crossbar to translate along an axis, maintaining a centered internal structure as the sections extend or retract, enabling adjustment to different mounting locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length crossbar is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different mounting locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is divided into multiple telescopic sections (first section, second section, third section) that can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the crossbar to change its overall length while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure, thereby achieving adaptability to different mounting locations without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar transitions from a static fixed-length structure to a dynamic telescopic structure. The moveable sections with slide mechanisms enable the crossbar to adjust its length dynamically, allowing it to adapt to various mounting distances while maintaining structural integrity through the coordinated movement of sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crossbar length is extended to accommodate different mounting distances, then the versatility is improved, but the risk of structural misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar design incorporates asymmetric positioning of the moveable sections relative to the internal structure. The first and second sections translate in opposite directions from a central third section, which helps maintain the centered position of the internal structure during telescopic operations, thereby preserving structural alignment reliability while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanisms are configured to coordinate the movement of sections such that the internal structure remains centered between the first and second sections as they translate. This feedback mechanism ensures that even as the crossbar extends or retracts to accommodate different mounting distances, the structural alignment is maintained automatically through the interdependent motion of the sections.
3Ease of operation
If moveable sections are added to the crossbar, then the flexibility for mounting locations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable sections are nested within or alongside the internal structure of the crossbar. The first and second sections slide along the longitudinal axis relative to the internal structure, with the third section serving as a central reference point. This nesting arrangement allows for flexibility in mounting locations while containing the complexity within a compact, organized structure.
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
Enables the crossbar to adapt to various mounting locations with different distances, providing a flexible solution for mounting gear and equipment while maintaining structural integrity and aerodynamic features.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one slide mechanism comprises a pully-cable mechanism. The pulley-cable mechanism may comprise: a pulley rigidly affixed to the at least one internal bar
Data Source
AI summary
A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.