One-Piece Equipment Carrier Frame for Simpler Vehicle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle-mounted equipment carriers, such as bicycle racks, often require complex and costly leg and arm assemblies with multiple pivot points, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for independent adjustments and stress transfer points, which complicate setup and use.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, molded-plastic frame construction with a central section connecting upper and lower portions in a fixed relationship, eliminating the need for separate adjustments and reducing stress transfer points, thereby simplifying setup and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate leg and arm assemblies with pivot points are used, then the equipment carrier can be adjusted for mounting to different vehicles, but the complexity and cost increase due to multiple securing means and independent adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for mounting to different vehiclesVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple pivot points and securing means

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate leg and arm assemblies into a single integrated frame structure. The frame is constructed as one piece with upper portions for holding equipment and lower portions for engaging the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate pivot points and securing means while maintaining the ability to adjust for different vehicle configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate leg and arm assemblies with multiple securing means are used, then the equipment carrier can be adjusted for proper rotational alignment, but the cost increases due to extra components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational alignment adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of extra components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single frame structure, combining upper portions for equipment holding and lower portions for vehicle engagement into one molded piece. This eliminates the need for separate securing means and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining rotational alignment capability through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate leg and arm assemblies are used, then the equipment carrier can be adjusted independently for each assembly, but the setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent adjustment of assembliesVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a single integrated frame where the upper and lower portions are connected as one piece, eliminating the need for independent adjustment of separate assemblies. The integrated design allows for simpler setup while maintaining the ability to adapt to different vehicle configurations through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8684244B2Vehicle-mounted equipment carrier with one-piece, fixed position frame construction

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 FABIO PEDRINI & PARTNERS SRL

AI summary

A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.