Extendable Flush Bar Roof Rack with Telescopic Crossbar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flush bar roof racks have fixed crossbar lengths, requiring separate purchases for different vehicle widths, increasing retailer stock levels and manufacturing costs, and limiting user flexibility when needing to fit multiple vehicles with varying roof widths.
Innovation Solution
An extendible flush bar roof rack design that incorporates an extension member and crossbar, allowing for adjustable length by sliding the extension member into or out of the crossbar, with a locking mechanism to secure the desired length, enabling the roof rack to fit various vehicle widths without needing multiple crossbars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length crossbar is used in flush bar roof racks, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are maintained, but the adaptability to different vehicle widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbar is divided into two main segments: a fixed crossbar and a telescopic extension member. The extension member can slide in and out of the crossbar to adjust the overall length, allowing the roof rack to adapt to different vehicle widths while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar structure transitions from a static fixed-length design to a dynamic telescopic design. The extension member can be extended or retracted as needed, providing adaptability to different vehicle widths while maintaining structural simplicity when not in use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed length crossbars are manufactured to suit different vehicle widths, then the adaptability to various vehicles is improved, but the manufacturing costs and retailer stock levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single crossbar design with telescopic extension capability serves multiple functions that would otherwise require several different fixed-length crossbars. This universal design allows one product to fit multiple vehicle types, reducing manufacturing variety and retailer stock requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member is nested within the crossbar structure, allowing it to be stored compactly when not in use. This nesting arrangement enables a single crossbar unit to provide multiple length configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple separate crossbar lengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the crossbar length is extended beyond the leg width, then the adaptability to wider vehicles is improved, but the flush bar design aesthetic and aerodynamic profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The extension member is nested within the crossbar housing, allowing the crossbar to maintain its streamlined aerodynamic profile when the extension is retracted. When extension is needed for wider vehicles, the member can be extended without disrupting the overall flush bar design aesthetic.
Solution Approach 2:
The crossbar transitions from a static streamlined profile to a dynamic configuration that can extend when needed. The telescopic mechanism allows the crossbar to maintain its aerodynamic shape during normal use while providing the capability to extend for wider vehicles, balancing aesthetics with adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a flush bar roof rack comprising a pair of legs, each of which includes a housing for holding and supporting a crossbar. The roof rack also includes a crossbar, held and supported at each end by the crossbar housing of each leg, and further includes an extension means for adjusting the length of the roof rack between the legs.