Pivotable Vehicle Carrier Rack With Manual Pulley System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional all-terrain vehicle racks for hauling heavy objects are cumbersome and obstructive, particularly at night due to their mechanical power requirements and obstruction of front headlights, and lack efficient manual loading and unloading mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, U-shaped rail-based carrier rack system with pivotally connected joints and cross members that can be easily attached and detached from the vehicle, allowing for manual loading and unloading and maintaining clear headlight visibility, with a design that lays flat when stored to avoid obstructing the front of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanically-powered lifts are used to haul heavy objects, then lifting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to extensive electrical power system integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex electrical power system and mechanical lift mechanisms from the vehicle rack system. Instead, it implements a simple manual lift system using a rack and pulley mechanism that can be easily attached and removed, eliminating the need for extensive electrical integration while maintaining heavy object lifting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system is segmented into modular components including the rack structure, pulley mechanism, and removable bracket assembly. This allows the lift system to be independently configured and removed without affecting the vehicle's electrical system, reducing overall device complexity
2Force
If power lifts are mounted on the front of the vehicle, then lifting capability is improved, but illumination is worsened due to obstruction of front headlights
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a stored position (laying flat against the vehicle) and an operational position (extended outward). This dynamic positioning ensures that when the rack is not in use, it does not obstruct the headlights, maintaining full illumination capability while still providing lifting functionality when needed
3Force
If conventional hood-mounted or trunk-mounted racks are used, then hauling capability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to difficulty in moving heavy objects between ground and rack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulley system as an intermediary mechanical advantage device between the user and the load. This pulley mechanism reduces the effort required to lift heavy objects onto the rack and lowers them to the ground, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining full hauling capability
4Illumination intensity
If the rack is designed to lay flat when stored, then headlight obstruction is reduced, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rack employs dynamic positioning with locked and unlocked states. When stored, it lays flat in a stable configuration that does not obstruct headlights. When operational, it can be extended and locked into position, providing structural stability during loading and transport operations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient manual loading and unloading of heavy objects up to 300 pounds without obstructing the vehicle's headlights, providing stable support during transport and secure storage, while allowing for quick attachment and detachment for easy use.
Implementation Method 1
The handle section may be in contact with a ground while the rack is in a load position
Implementation Method 2
The rail may be rotatable about the joints
Implementation Method 3
cross members attached between the side sections of the rail
Implementation Method 4
The bracket may be attachable to a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a bracket and a rack. The bracket may be attachable to a vehicle. The rack may include (i) a rail having a U-shape forming two side sections separated by a handle section, (ii) a respective joint at each free end of the rail and pivotally connected to the bracket and (iii) cross members attached between the side sections of the rail. The rail generally forms a carry section and a retainer section. The side sections may include a curve. The rail may be rotatable about the joints. The handle section may be in contact with a ground while the rack is in a load position. The retainer section may be approximately parallel to a hood of the vehicle while the rack is in a stored position. The retainer section may be approximately perpendicular to the ground while the rack is in a carry position.