Moveable Rack Assembly for Spare Wheel Storage and Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spare wheel assemblies in motor vehicles are cumbersome to store and change, lacking efficient mechanisms for easy maneuvering and mounting.
Innovation Solution
A moveable rack assembly with a frame, mounting assemblies, and a cable system that allows for easy attachment to a vehicle underbody, enabling the rack to be deployed and maneuvered for wheel assembly changes, including a mechanism for raising and lowering the rack to facilitate wheel assembly transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spare wheel assembly is stored in the trunk or cargo area of a motor vehicle, then it is protected from external damage, but it becomes cumbersome to maneuver and access during wheel assembly changes
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly is designed with movable components including a telescoping rack structure that can extend and retract, and a rotatable platform that can pivot between horizontal and vertical positions. This dynamic design allows the rack to transform from a compact stored state to an extended operational state, enabling easy access and maneuvering of wheel assemblies without requiring complex fixed storage mechanisms in the vehicle trunk
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a base portion that attaches to the vehicle, a telescoping rack portion that extends outward, and a rotatable platform for holding wheel assemblies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall storage and deployment mechanism compared to a monolithic storage system
2Ease of operation
If a spare wheel assembly is mounted to the exterior of the motor vehicle, then it is easily accessible, but it increases the overall vehicle size and may be exposed to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly can be dynamically positioned between a retracted state (partially protected by the vehicle body) and an extended state (fully accessible for wheel changes). The rotatable platform can pivot to position wheel assemblies in protected or accessible locations as needed, providing flexibility in balancing protection and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the vehicle interior and exterior environments. It provides a transition zone where wheel assemblies can be stored in a partially protected manner while remaining easily accessible, mediating between the conflicting requirements of protection and accessibility
3Productivity
If a moveable rack assembly is used to store and access wheel assemblies, then maneuvering and wheel changing becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly incorporates self-servicing features such as a cable-operated winch system that can automatically raise and lower the rack, and a rotatable platform that can be easily pivoted into position. These self-service mechanisms reduce the need for complex manual operation systems and external assistance, improving wheel changing efficiency while keeping the overall device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The rack assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: storing wheel assemblies, transporting them to different positions, raising and lowering them, and facilitating easy attachment to various vehicle types. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single integrated system, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A moveable rack assembly may include a frame including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first mounting assembly configured to support a first wheel assembly on the first side of the frame, and may further include a second mounting assembly configured to support a second wheel assembly on the second side of the frame.