Hitch Mounted Rack System Vertical Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hitch-mounted rack systems extend the length of vehicles, making parking and reversing difficult, and are unsuitable for vehicles with spare tires or soft-top designs, while roof racks can impose unwanted weight and stress on the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A cantilevered horizontal rack system elevated above the vehicle's roof, using a lower base unit that engages the towing hitch and an upper base unit with crossbar assemblies, along with a strap system to secure the rack to the vehicle and spare tire, allowing for the carrying of large items without extending the vehicle's length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional hitch-mounted rack system is used, then cargo carrying capacity is improved, but the vehicle length is extended making parking and reversing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system transitions from a horizontal extension behind the vehicle to a vertical structure that extends upward from the hitch receiver. The vertical support member rises vertically from the hitch, and the horizontal support member extends horizontally from the top of the vertical support, positioning cargo above the vehicle rather than behind it, thus avoiding length extension while maintaining cargo capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the rack horizontally rearward from the hitch as in traditional systems, this invention inverts the configuration by extending it vertically upward first, then horizontally from the elevated position. This inversion of the extension direction resolves the conflict between cargo capacity and vehicle length
2Device complexity
If a single post hitch-mounted rack is used, then installation is simplified, but lateral and longitudinal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is segmented into distinct functional components: a vertical support member that provides height, a horizontal support member that provides cargo attachment, and a strap system that provides stabilization. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve both simplicity and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system acts as an intermediary element that connects the rack structure to the vehicle body at multiple points. These straps provide lateral and longitudinal stability by anchoring the rack to the vehicle, preventing unwanted movement without adding mechanical complexity to the main support structure
3Quantity of substance
If a roof rack is used, then cargo carrying capacity is improved, but weight and stress on the vehicle roof increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo carrying function is extracted from the vehicle roof and relocated to the hitch receiver area. By removing the dependency on the roof for support and transitioning to a hitch-mounted vertical configuration, the system eliminates the harmful weight and stress forces applied to the roof while preserving the ability to carry cargo
4Quantity of substance
If a hitch-mounted rack is used with a spare tire, then cargo carrying is enabled, but compatibility with externally mounted spare tires is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system uses flexible straps that can be routed and secured in various configurations around different vehicle setups. These flexible straps can accommodate vehicles with externally mounted spare tires by routing around the tire area, providing adaptability to different vehicle configurations while maintaining cargo carrying capability
Data Source
AI summary
A hitch mounted rack system having a lower base unit that includes a hitch beam and a hitch beam vertical support extending from the hitch beam; a cantilevered upper base unit that includes a support beam and a support beam vertical support extending from the support beam, and wherein the support beam vertical support is at least partially received within the hitch beam vertical support; a center-point adjustable sleeve that is adjusted in relation to the hitch beam vertical support and the support beam vertical support; and one or more crossbar assemblies positioned along the support beam.