Load Carrier Attachment Device with Resilient Locking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment devices for load carriers on vehicles, such as roof racks, are cumbersome and time-consuming to attach and detach, requiring tools and inferring torque, which deters users due to the complexity and time needed for positioning and securing the load carrier.
Innovation Solution
A quick and easy attachment device with a support housing, moveable attachment members, and a resilient locking system that adjusts to fit various load carrying bar sizes and forms, allowing for secure clamping without tools, using a linkage and wedge mechanism to apply and accumulate closing force for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment means are used to secure the load carrier to the load carrying bar, then secure attachment is achieved, but the attachment and removal process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device employs a moveable attachment member that can dynamically transition between open and closed positions. The moveable member is actuated by an actuation member that applies closing force, allowing the attachment device to quickly move from an open state (for easy installation) to a closed state (for secure attachment), thereby reducing attachment time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system utilizes elastic deformation as a parameter change mechanism. When closing force is applied during attachment, the locking system resiliently accumulates a portion of this force when it exceeds a predefined load threshold. This elastic parameter change enables the locking system to engage automatically and secure the attachment without requiring manual tool operation, thus reducing attachment time while ensuring secure fastening
2Reliability
If adapter kits are designed to fit specific types of load carrying bars, then secure attachment is achieved, but adaptability to multiple sizes and forms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is designed with a universal support housing comprising a support surface configured to face various types of elongate members. The moveable attachment member, when actuated, can grip different sizes and forms of load carrying bars. This universal design allows a single attachment device to function with multiple types of bars, maintaining attachment security across different configurations without requiring multiple specialized adapter kits
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable attachment member dynamically adjusts its position and gripping force based on the specific dimensions and form of the load carrying bar. This dynamic adaptability allows the same attachment device to securely attach to various bar types by adjusting its closed position, achieving both versatility and reliable attachment
3Reliability
If tool-based attachment means are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but ease of operation is reduced due to the need for tools and torque application
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is designed to automatically engage and secure the attachment device without requiring external tools or manual torque application. When the actuation member applies closing force to the moveable attachment member, the locking system self-activates when the force exceeds the predefined load threshold. The system resiliently accumulates this force through elastic deformation and automatically locks, making the operation simple and tool-free while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts requiring tools and torque) with an elastic-deformation-based locking system. This substitution eliminates the need for tool-based operations while achieving secure attachment through the elastic accumulation and release of closing force in the locking system
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 rapid and secure attachment of load carriers to load carrying bars, adapting to different sizes and thicknesses, reducing the effort required for attachment and detachment while maintaining a consistent clamping force, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the locking system is configured to resiliently accumulate a portion of the closing force when the closing force applied to the actuation member and/or the first attachment member exceeds a predefined load during the transition from its open position to its locked position
Implementation Method 2
using a linkage and wedge mechanism to apply and accumulate closing force for secure attachment
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device for a load carrier includes a housing, a first attachment member, a second attachment member, an actuation member, and a locking system. The first and second attachment members apply a clamping force to an elongate member (such as a cross bar of a roof rack) between the first attachment member and the second attachment member. The actuation member is configured to apply a closing force to the first attachment member and is maneuverable from an open position to a closed position. The locking system is configured to resiliently accumulate a portion of the closing force when the closing force applied to the actuation member or the first attachment member exceeds a predefined load, regardless of the size of the elongate member but within a range of motion of the first and second attachment members, during the transition from its open position to its locked position.