Modular Vehicle Carrier Rack With Universal Mounts and Low Drag
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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 vehicle types, often causing damage and accessibility issues, and are susceptible to theft and wind resistance.
Innovation Solution
A modular platform with universal connections and adjustable components, such as removable and adjustable horizontal support adaptor bars with clamps and hooks, that securely transport and store various recreational equipment, including bicycles, using a male/female connection system and locking mechanisms to ensure stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple straps are used to attach carrier rack to vehicle, then the carrier rack can be secured to various vehicle types, but the system becomes complicated to attach and may loosen with use
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system is divided into modular components including a base unit with integrated connections and separate adapter pieces that can be quickly attached to different vehicle types. This segmentation allows the system to maintain versatility while simplifying the attachment process, as users only need to attach the appropriate adapter to the standardized base unit rather than configuring multiple straps from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit of the carrier rack is designed with universal connection points and standardized mounting interfaces that can work with multiple vehicle types. This universal design reduces attachment complexity by providing a consistent interface that requires the same attachment procedure regardless of the vehicle, while still achieving broad adaptability through compatible adapters for different vehicle configurations.
2Quantity of substance
If carrier rack is attached to roof, then transport capacity is increased, but wind resistance increases and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow the structure to adapt to different load configurations and vehicle profiles. The rack features adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms that enable optimization of the cargo position to minimize wind resistance while maintaining transport capacity, allowing dynamic adjustment rather than a fixed high-position design.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier rack design utilizes vertical adjustment capabilities and multi-level positioning to distribute cargo in three-dimensional space. By allowing cargo to be positioned at different heights and angles, the system can optimize aerodynamic profile and reduce wind resistance while still achieving the required transport capacity through efficient use of vertical space.
3Ease of operation
If carrier rack is attached to bumper, then accessibility is maintained, but vehicle damage risk increases and supportability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system uses a specialized bumper adapter as an intermediary component that distributes mounting forces across a larger area of the bumper and vehicle frame. This adapter acts as a mediator between the rack and vehicle, maintaining accessibility while reducing point-load stress that could cause damage. The adapter includes reinforcement elements and multiple attachment points that spread the mechanical load safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper adapter incorporates cushioning elements and stress-distributing features designed in advance to prevent damage before it occurs. The mounting mechanism includes built-in protection against over-tightening and misalignment, with compliant mounting elements that absorb excess force and protect the bumper from damage while maintaining secure attachment for accessibility.
4Strength
If trailer hitch system is used, then load capacity is increased, but weight increases and attachment/detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack replaces the heavy mechanical trailer hitch system with a lighter alternative that uses optimized mounting brackets and distributed load paths. Instead of relying on the mass and complex mechanical structure of a trailer hitch, the design uses strategically positioned mounting points and structural reinforcement to achieve comparable load capacity with significantly reduced weight and simplified attachment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system utilizes parameter optimization in the form of adjusted mounting geometries, material selection, and connection mechanisms that reduce weight while maintaining load capacity. The adapter components are designed with optimized thickness, material density, and structural configuration to achieve the necessary strength-to-weight ratio, allowing easy attachment and detachment without sacrificing load-bearing capability.
5Productivity
If existing carrier rack systems are used, then transport function is provided, but theft susceptibility increases and vehicle damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rack system merges the transport function with integrated security features and vehicle protection elements into a unified design. The mounting mechanism includes built-in anti-theft locking components and protective coverings that are combined with the structural elements, allowing the same components that enable transport to also provide theft resistance and prevent vehicle damage, rather than requiring separate add-on systems.
Data Source
Figure 20~21
Figure 22~23
Figure 24A~24B
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. A modular platform whose universal designs and connections allow simple and easy vehicular transport and storage of multiple types of recreational equipment and activity pods. And particularly, a carrier rack and storage systems integrated into motor vehicles at the time of vehicle manufacture or after production (reproduction) and it can also attach to current tow hitches.