Modular Vehicle Carrier Rack With Universal Hitch Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier rack systems for motor vehicles are cumbersome, heavy, difficult to store, and not adaptable to all types of vehicles, often causing damage and accessibility issues, with complex attachment processes and susceptibility to theft.
Innovation Solution
A modular carrier rack system integrated into the vehicle or attachable to a tow hitch, featuring a universal design with a receiving unit and carrier bar that is lightweight, easy to use, and aesthetically hidden, providing improved supportability and ease of attachment/detachment without damaging the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier rack system is attached to the roof of a motor vehicle, then the system provides cargo carrying capability, but the system creates wind resistance and makes it difficult to access the trunk or doors
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system is divided into separate modular components including a base unit that attaches to the vehicle and removable carrier bars that can be detached. This segmentation allows the cargo carrying function to be separated from the vehicle body, enabling easy access to the trunk and doors while maintaining cargo capacity when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier rack system incorporates dynamic attachment and detachment mechanisms that allow the carrier bars to be easily removed and reattached. This dynamic design enables the system to transition between a fixed cargo-carrying state and an accessible state where the trunk and doors can be freely accessed, resolving the contradiction between cargo capability and ease of access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier rack system is attached to the bumper of a motor vehicle, then the system provides cargo carrying capability, but the system damages the sensitive bumper mechanism and has limited supportability
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system introduces a receiver unit as an intermediary component that interfaces between the vehicle's tow hitch and the carrier bars. This receiver unit absorbs and distributes the mechanical loads, preventing direct stress on the bumper mechanism while providing robust support for cargo. The intermediary receiver unit thus protects the vulnerable bumper while enabling cargo carrying capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a trailer hitch carrier rack system is used, then the system provides cargo carrying capability, but the system is heavy and difficult to attach, detach, and store
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system is segmented into a stationary receiver unit that remains attached to the vehicle and removable carrier bars that can be easily detached. This segmentation eliminates the need to attach and detach the entire heavy system, as only the lighter carrier bars need to be removed for storage, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining cargo carrying capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver unit is pre-installed on the vehicle's tow hitch, eliminating the need to attach the base structure during each use. This preliminary action reduces the attachment and detachment process to simply securing or removing the carrier bars, making the system much easier to operate and store compared to complete trailer hitch systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple straps are used to attach a carrier rack system to a motor vehicle, then the system provides cargo carrying capability, but the system is complicated to attach and may loosen with use over time
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system replaces the complex strap-based attachment mechanism with a standardized tow hitch receiver interface that uses simple pin-and-latch or bayonet-style connections. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for multiple straps, buckles, and tightening adjustments, reducing attachment complexity to a single straightforward action while providing secure, reliable connection that does not loosen with use.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a carrier rack system is attached to a motor vehicle, then the system provides cargo carrying capability, but the system is susceptible to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier bars are designed as removable components that can be easily detached from the receiver unit. This extraction design allows the valuable cargo-carrying components to be taken home when not in use, eliminating theft susceptibility. The receiver unit remains on the vehicle as a simple, low-value base structure, while the removable bars can be stored securely indoors, effectively removing the theft risk from the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods of securing and transporting cargo and items using a vehicle including modular carrier racks and various engagement components and features.