Modular Vehicle Rack Assembly With Reconfigurable Slot Anchors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cargo systems are inflexible and unable to accommodate various items, particularly taller ones, due to their permanent and non-modifiable designs, which limits cargo management and increases vehicle height, compromising aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular and user-configurable rack system with elongate structural members featuring longitudinal slots and anchors, allowing for adjustable configurations without permanent modifications to the vehicle, including the use of hollow members for fluid storage and customizable accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a permanent and non-modifiable rack design is used, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the adaptability and flexibility for accommodating various cargo items deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is divided into separate modular components including columns, crossmembers, brackets, and fasteners that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the rack to maintain structural strength through proper component design while enabling flexibility through reconfigurable assembly, directly resolving the contradiction between permanent strength and modular adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system transitions from a static permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system through the use of removable fasteners and adjustable components. The longitudinal slots in columns allow crossmembers to be positioned at different locations, enabling the rack to adapt its configuration based on cargo requirements while maintaining structural integrity through engineered connection points
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed height rack design is used, then the manufacturing simplicity and structural stability are improved, but the ease of operation and cargo accommodation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is manufactured as separate standardized components with consistent connection interfaces, simplifying individual part manufacturing while enabling operational flexibility through assembly variation. Columns feature standardized longitudinal slots that accommodate different crossmember positions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized column design with longitudinal slots serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling adjustable height configurations, and accommodating various crossmember positions. This universal design approach allows the same component to fulfill both manufacturing simplicity and operational flexibility requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular rack system with removable components is used, then the adaptability and ease of storage are improved, but the device complexity and assembly requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into modular components increases adaptability, the use of standardized connection interfaces and repetitive component designs minimizes the overall complexity. The same brackets and fastener types are used throughout the system, reducing the variety of unique parts and simplifying assembly procedures despite the modular nature
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are combined into integrated components such as brackets that simultaneously provide structural support, positioning features, and connection points. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the benefits of modular adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle rack system includes elongate structural members coupled together to form a rack for use on or within a vehicle's cargo area. At least one of the elongate structural members has an elongate pressure tight lumen for holding a fluid therein, and a nozzle allows the fluid to enter and exit the lumen. A vehicle having a rack system includes a vehicle and a plurality of elongate structural members removably coupled together to form a rack removably coupled to the vehicle. A first of the members has a longitudinal slot between and behind a pair of flanges. An anchor is positioned in the slot, and the anchor is irremovable from the slot while the system is at an assembled configuration. The anchor is removable from the slot while the system is at unassembled configuration. The anchor is used to secure the first member to a second of the members.