Pivoting Car Rack for Compact Storage and Easy Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Accessing and loading equipment on roof racks of vehicles, such as skis and snowboards, can be difficult, and existing designs often lack compact and aerodynamic configurations when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A car top equipment rack with a hinge assembly and latch mechanism that allows the upper and lower assemblies to pivot apart for easy loading, secure the equipment between them, and collapse for compact storage, featuring support members and protrusions for secure retention and aerodynamic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is designed to allow easy access and loading of equipment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the hinge and latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into an upper rack assembly and a lower rack assembly that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rack to open for easy loading of equipment while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly enables dynamic movement between the upper and lower rack assemblies, allowing them to pivot from a closed transport position to an open loading position. This dynamic capability improves ease of operation without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the rack is designed to be compact and aerodynamic when not in use, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable hinge allows the rack to transition between a compact closed position for aerodynamic efficiency and an expanded open position for easy access. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by providing both compact storage and accessible loading configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack utilizes vertical dimension through the upper and lower assemblies that pivot apart, allowing equipment to be loaded from the side rather than from above. This dimensional approach enables compact horizontal profile while maintaining accessibility.
3Strength
If the support members extend fully along the longitudinal axis to provide maximum support, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Support members are positioned at specific locations along the longitudinal axis rather than extending continuously. This local quality approach provides sufficient support strength at critical points while reducing structural complexity and material usage in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into discrete support members rather than continuous beams. This segmentation maintains strength where needed while simplifying the overall structure and reducing complexity in the support system.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment rack for use with a vehicle is described having a sliding member translatably attached to a lower cross member of the rack. The sliding member translates outwardly from the rack to a loading and unloading position. In the loading and unloading position, sports equipment may be placed on or removed from the sliding member. When the sports equipment has been loaded the sliding member may be translated back toward the rack into a stowed position. In the stowed position an upper cross member may be clamped to the lower cross member to secure the sports equipment on the rack. The sliding member