Foldable Vehicle Equipment Rack with Pivot Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equipment racks for vehicles, such as those for kayaks and other sports equipment, often remain in an operational configuration when not in use, leading to inefficiencies, unsightliness, and safety concerns due to wind resistance, potential damage, and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A foldable equipment rack design featuring a base member, a support member pivotally attached to the base, and an actuator that allows the support member to transition between an open operational configuration for securing equipment and a closed stowed configuration, reducing wind resistance and enhancing appearance, using a hinge assembly and actuator mechanism for easy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the equipment rack remains in an operational configuration when not in use, then it is ready for immediate use, but it increases wind resistance, creates safety concerns, and looks unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with a support member that can dynamically change its configuration between operational and stowed positions. The support member pivots about a hinge to transition from an extended operational position to a retracted stowed position, allowing the rack to adapt its form based on whether it is in use or not, thereby reducing wind resistance when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the equipment rack remains in an operational configuration when not in use, then it is ready for immediate use, but it increases the risk of accidental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates a latch mechanism that can secure the support member in both operational and stowed configurations. When not in use, the support member can be latched in the stowed position, protecting it from accidental damage while maintaining the ability to quickly transition to the operational position when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the equipment rack remains in an operational configuration when not in use, then it is ready for immediate use, but it creates aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed to transition between two distinct configurations: an operational configuration with the support member extended for functionality, and a stowed configuration with the support member retracted for aesthetic appeal. The ability to pivot and latch the support member allows the rack to present a clean, streamlined appearance when not in use.
4Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the support member in stowed position, then the rack can be secured when not in use, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The user can easily engage or disengage the latch to secure or release the support member, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding the need for motors, sensors, or other complex components that would increase device complexity.
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 foldable design allows for efficient storage and transportation while minimizing wind resistance and preventing accidental damage, providing a more appealing appearance when not in use, by allowing the support member to pivot and be secured in a closed position.
Implementation Method 1
The base member may have features for engaging the actuator as a fulcrum. In some of these embodiments, the first end of the actuator may be displaced toward the distal end of the base member so that the first feature engages the actuator as a fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
A rack is described for securing equipment, such as a kayak, to a vehicle. The rack has a base member for attaching to the vehicle, a support member pivotally attached to the base member, and an actuator that is operable to engage or disengage a latch mechanism that fixes the movement of the support member in one or more desired positions in relation to the base member. The actuator may be actuated from either side of the base. The actuator may extend transversely across the lengthwise axis of the base member. The opposite ends of the actuator may each be displaced toward one end of the base to release the support member and allow it to pivot with respect to the base member.