Hitch-Mounted Kayak Carrier Vertical Loading Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing kayaks and canoes to vehicles often require roof attachments or trailers, which can interfere with vehicle space and are cumbersome for loading, especially for vertical orientation.
Innovation Solution
A kayak carrier that attaches to a vehicle hitch, featuring a tip receiver and elongated support to hold kayaks upright, with optional pivotable and strap-securing mechanisms for easy loading and secure support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a kayak carrier attaches to a vehicle roof using existing roof rails, then the kayak can be secured in a horizontal orientation, but the vehicle's trunk or rear space is interfered with and the loading process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal kayak orientation (roof mounting) to vertical kayak orientation (hitch mounting). This dimensional change allows the kayak to be positioned in the vertical space behind the vehicle rather than occupying horizontal roof space, eliminating interference with the trunk area while simplifying loading through the vertical orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hitch-mounted carrier as an intermediary device between the vehicle and kayak. This carrier includes a support structure and tip receiver that facilitate easy vertical loading of the kayak without requiring direct roof attachment, thereby solving both the space interference and loading ease problems.
2Ease of operation
If a kayak is loaded onto a roof rack, then the kayak is secured, but overhead lifting is required which makes the loading process difficult and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the loading orientation from horizontal (requiring overhead lifting onto a roof rack) to vertical (allowing the kayak to be lifted upright and engaged with the tip receiver). This dimensional change eliminates the need for overhead lifting while maintaining secure kayak attachment.
3Area of stationary object
If a kayak carrier is designed to hold kayaks in vertical orientation, then space efficiency is improved and loading is simplified, but the structural complexity of the carrier increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrier into distinct functional segments: a support structure that attaches to the vehicle hitch and an elongated member that extends upward to support the kayak. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs vertical orientation of the kayak supported by an elongated member extending upward from the hitch assembly. This vertical configuration maximizes space efficiency by utilizing the vertical dimension behind the vehicle while maintaining a relatively simple carrier structure through the use of a straightforward elongated support element.
Data Source
AI summary
A kayak carrier for a vehicle hitch includes an elongated support having a lower portion configured to engage a vehicle hitch and an upper portion that is configured to provide support to an intermediate section of a kayak held by the kayak carrier. A tip receiver is coupled with the lower portion of the elongated support, where the tip receiver includes an engagement portion that is configured to receive and engage a tip section of the kayak. When the tip section of a kayak is received in the tip receiver, the kayak carrier is configured to hold the kayak in an upright orientation.