Modular Bumper Attachment for Hammock Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle-mounted hammock frames are not modular and often occupy valuable space, requiring a towing receiver or mounting rails, which are not always available on personal vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A modular bumper attachment system with attachment members and support members that can be removably attached to a vehicle's bumper, allowing for the securement of hammocks, tents, and other items without the need for towing receivers or mounting rails, utilizing clamping mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional hammock frame is used, then the hammock can be suspended, but the frame becomes large and bulky requiring significant storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehammoxk suspension capabilityVSAvoidframe storage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple detachable segments including attachment members with receiving members, support members, and connectors. These segments can be separated and stored independently, dramatically reducing storage volume while maintaining suspension capability when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are designed to nest within or attach to the attachment members when not in use. The connectors can be stored within the structure of the attachment members, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a vehicle-mounted hammock frame is used, then the hammock can be attached to the vehicle, but the frame occupies valuable space that could be used for storage or towing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehammoxk attachment capabilityVSAvoidvehicle space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into separate attachment members that can be independently mounted to the vehicle bumper. This allows the hammock support structure to be distributed across multiple discrete mounting points rather than requiring a single large frame structure, freeing up vehicle space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment members with receiving members act as intermediaries between the vehicle bumper and the hammock support members. This intermediary interface allows the hammock system to be mounted to the bumper without requiring direct integration with the vehicle's towing receiver or mounting rails, preserving those features for their original purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a towing receiver or mounting rails are used for attachment, then the hammock can be securely attached, but these features are not always available on personal vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidvehicle compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment members are designed with receiving members that can universally interface with various vehicle bumper types and configurations. The clamping mechanisms can adapt to different bumper shapes and materials, making the system compatible with personal vehicles that lack specialized towing receivers or mounting rails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment members serve as universal intermediaries that bridge the gap between diverse vehicle bumpers and the hammock support structure. The receiving members can accommodate various attachment methods including clamping to round tubes, flat surfaces, or irregular bumper shapes, providing broad vehicle compatibility without requiring vehicle-specific modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a non-modular hammock frame is used, then the structure is simpler, but the system cannot be easily removed or reconfigured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure simplicityVSAvoidattachment removal and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into detachable components connected by connectors that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each attachment member can be independently removed from the vehicle bumper, and support members can be reconfigured between different attachment members, enabling easy reconfiguration and removal while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10173575B2Modular bumper attachment

Publication Date: 2019.01.08 TYLER DUSTIN

AI summary

A modular bumper attachment system configured to be attached or mounted to the bumper of a vehicle or base member. The modular bumper attachment system may include a first attachment member and a second attachment member, each attachment member having a receiving member and an aperture defined by an outer wall that is configured to encompass the bumper of a vehicle. The system may also include one or more support members that are removably attached to the receiving member of each attachment member. The support member may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is removably attached to the receiving member. The second end of each support member may extend in a generally outward direction from the base member and include one or more connectors configured to removably attach a hammock, tent, awning, storage container, cooler, etc. to the support member.