Modular Utility Rack Attachment for Repositionable Off-Road Tasks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicle utility racks lack versatility and compatibility with various vehicles, often being too bulky or single-purpose, and fail to provide a secure and ideal surface for tasks like surf fishing and filleting fish, while also posing challenges in attaching and detaching different accessories.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional utility rack attachment with a robust body structure, positioning mechanism, and modular attachment system that allows secure affixation to utility racks, enabling repositioning and seamless interchangeability of attachments, such as a fishing rod holder and beverage holders, to enhance functionality and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cargo boxes are used for storage, then items are secured during travel, but the cargo box creates excessive height and is difficult to access when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The utility rack system is divided into separate functional modules including a base rack structure, removable cargo boxes, and interchangeable task-specific attachments. This segmentation allows the cargo box to be detached when not needed, reducing height while maintaining security during travel when attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static cargo box installations to dynamic, reconfigurable attachments that can be quickly added or removed based on travel versus stationary needs, allowing the rack height and functionality to adapt to different operational states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized attachments are added to utility racks, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and incompatibility between different vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility rack attachments are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can be installed on various vehicle types (ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles). A single attachment design serves multiple functions and can be used across different vehicle platforms, reducing the need for vehicle-specific custom attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses standardized mounting parameters and interface dimensions that allow the same attachment to be installed on different vehicles by adjusting only the mounting location, not the attachment design itself. This standardization reduces complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If rod holders with metal stakes are used for surf fishing, then rod holder stability is improved, but the stakes cannot penetrate rocky ground and may break the plastic rod holder
Solution Approach 1:
The utility rack attachment serves as an intermediary mounting structure between the rod holder and the vehicle. Instead of driving stakes into the ground, the rod holder attaches to the rack which is securely mounted to the vehicle frame, eliminating the need for ground penetration while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the mounting problem from the vertical dimension (driving stakes into ground) to the horizontal dimension (attaching to vehicle rack). This dimensional shift allows rod holders to be secured without penetrating the ground, avoiding both the rocky ground penetration problem and the risk of breaking plastic holders.
4Adaptability or versatility
If utility racks are customized for specific vehicles, then compatibility is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The utility rack attachments are pre-designed and pre-configured with standardized mounting hardware and interfaces. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation on compatible vehicles without requiring custom fabrication or complex assembly procedures, reducing installation time while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed of a multifunctional utility rack attachment device, the components comprise of a body structure, a positioning mechanism, a position securing system, and a modular attachment system. The device mounts either directly or indirectly on to an off-road vehicle's utility rack. The body structure facilitates the use of a modular attachment system geared towards connecting various utility attachments seamlessly. The positioning mechanism facilitates the movement of the body structure some distance from the off-road vehicle creating opportunity for additional utilitarian purposes. The position securing system is used to lock the body structure into place in a specified configuration, as to not allow the positioning mechanism to act upon the body structure. The components are combined together to form the device.