Pivotable Roof Bow Bracket Storage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle roof bows are not easily removable and storable, limiting convenience and space efficiency when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A roof bow system with pivotable end brackets that can be rotated between a deployed and stowed position, allowing for convenient storage within the vehicle when not in use, featuring a cross member with elongated body and end caps made of metallic and polymeric materials, respectively, with a recess system for secure pivoting and decorative elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the roof bow is designed with fixed end brackets for structural stability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation and storage convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstorage convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end brackets are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing them to rotate between a deployed position (extending outwardly) and a stowed position (positioned substantially between the cross member). This dynamic mechanism enables the roof bow to be easily stored within the vehicle while maintaining structural integrity when in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the roof bow maintains a long extended length for cargo support, then the functionality is improved, but the storage space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo support functionalityVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roof bow transforms from a long extended configuration to a compact folded configuration through the pivotable end brackets. When stored, the end brackets rotate to position substantially between the cross member, reducing the overall length and enabling storage within the vehicle's storage space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The end brackets are designed to nest within or alongside the cross member when in the stowed position, with the decorative portion received in the decorative section of the recess and the pivot portion received in the pivot section, creating a compact nested arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Strength

If the end brackets are made visible for structural function, then the strength is improved, but the aesthetics deteriorate when stowed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidaesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The end brackets incorporate a decorative portion that is visually appealing when the roof bow is stowed. The decorative portion is received in the decorative section of the recess when stowed, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the structural function is maintained through the pivotable mechanism and fastener system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10807540B1Vehicle having roof bow

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a roof and a roof bow. The roof bow is removably coupled to the roof of the vehicle body and includes a cross member and end brackets pivotably attached to opposing ends of the cross member. The end brackets are pivotable between a deployed position in which the end brackets extend outwardly from the cross member and a stowed position in which the end brackets are positioned substantially between opposing ends of the cross member. A length of the roof bow is greater when the end brackets are in the deployed position then when the end brackets are in the stowed position.