Load Carrier Foot with Ball and Socket Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier feet for vehicles face challenges in versatility, as they often rely solely on friction for retention, which is not sufficient for different vehicle models, and fixed-point systems require specific adaptations for each model, leading to increased tool costs and article numbers.
Innovation Solution
A fix point load carrier foot with a pivot surface and attachment member that allows adjustment about three axes, using a ball and socket joint mechanism with oversized apertures and a clamping system to provide a secure connection to the vehicle roof, enabling adjustable positioning and reduced component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping bracket with friction-based retaining mechanism is used, then the load carrier foot can be positioned at different positions on the vehicle roof, but the retention force is insufficient and not sturdy enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both positioning flexibility and sturdy retention by integrating a friction-based clamping mechanism with a mechanical locking system. The clamping bracket applies friction force to hold the load carrier foot at different positions, while the detent mechanism with spring-loaded ball and recesses provides positive mechanical locking to ensure sufficient retention force and prevent slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism acts as an intermediary between the clamping bracket and the support surface. It translates the friction-based clamping force into discrete positional locks, providing both the flexibility of continuous positioning and the reliability of mechanical locking through the ball-and-recess engagement system.
2Reliability
If a fixed-point load carrier foot with rigid connection is used, then the connection to the vehicle roof is sturdy, but the system requires specific adaptations for each vehicle model
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed-point connection into a dynamic adjustable system. The load carrier foot can be positioned at multiple locations along the roof rail and locked at any desired position using the detent mechanism, allowing the same component to adapt to different vehicle models and roof configurations while maintaining a sturdy mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof rack system is designed with universal adaptability through the combination of a rigid clamping mechanism and a multi-position detent locking system. This allows a single load carrier foot design to be used across different vehicle models by adjusting its position along the roof rail, eliminating the need for model-specific adaptations while maintaining connection stability.
3Reliability
If fixed-point load carrier feet adapted to specific vehicle models are used, then the connection is secure, but the number of article numbers and tool costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal load carrier foot design with an adjustable positioning system that can accommodate multiple vehicle models. Instead of requiring different fixed-point adaptations for each vehicle, the same clamping bracket with detent mechanism can be positioned at various locations along the roof rail, reducing the number of unique components and article numbers needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, model-specific fixed points to a dynamic, adjustable positioning system. The load carrier foot can be moved along the roof rail and locked at any position using the spring-loaded detent mechanism, allowing a single component design to serve multiple vehicle models securely without increasing 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 solution allows for a single adjustable load carrier foot kit to fit various vehicles, reducing tool costs and article numbers, while providing customer-adjustable swivel functionality and improved stability through simultaneous adjustment about three axes.
Implementation Method 1
The load carrier foot comprises a body and at least one pivot member. The at least one pivot member is positioned adjacent a pivot surface so that a slip joint is formed. The slip joint permits the body and/or the load carrying bar to be adjusted about three axes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fix point load carrier foot (10, 10') for a roof rack (3) for a vehicle (1), said load carrier foot (1) comprising a body (15, 15'). The body (15, 15', 15") comprises a vehicle facing surface (20) and a load carrying bar facing surface (21). An attachment member (16) is connectable to a fixed connection point (17) on the vehicle (3) and has an attachment position and a release position. The at least one pivot member (25, 25') is positioned adjacent a pivot surface (20, 21, 21') of the body (15, 15', 15"). The body (15, 15', 15") and/or the load carrying bar (11) can be adjusted with respect to the at least one pivot member (25, 25') about three axes (X, Y, Z).