Pivoting Cargo Box Rack With No-Drill Mounting Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attachment mechanisms for securing accessories to vehicle cargo boxes require permanent modification, leading to deformation, aesthetic issues, and limited versatility, especially when switching vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible vehicle rack with a mounting bracket that secures to the cargo box's top edge without modification, featuring a pivot mechanism allowing the rack to move between stowed and extended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional attachment mechanisms are used to secure the rack to the cargo box, then the rack is securely mounted, but the cargo box requires permanent modification causing deformation and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the rack and the cargo box. The bracket includes a channel that receives the lip of the cargo box and uses retaining fasteners to engage the lip, thereby securing the rack without requiring permanent modification or deformation of the cargo box structure.
2Reliability
If the rack is fixed in place to prevent movement and vibration, then the rack is stable during vehicle operation, but the rack protrudes from the cargo box increasing overall footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a pivot mechanism that allows the rack to dynamically change its position between a stowed position (flush with the cargo box) and an extended position (protruding for use). The upright pivotally secures to the mounting bracket, enabling the rack to be configured based on operational needs while minimizing footprint when not in use.
3Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used, then the rack is securely attached, but removal requires extensive time and money and may need professional installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate, modular components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the cargo box, and a rack assembly that connects to the bracket via a pivot mechanism. The retaining fasteners can be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing for quick installation and removal without requiring professional installation or extensive time.
4Reliability
If the rack is configured for a specific vehicle, then it fits that vehicle perfectly, but a replacement rack is needed if a new vehicle is purchased
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal adaptability to work with different cargo box configurations. The channel receives the lip of the cargo box in a standardized manner, and the pivot mechanism accommodates various rack configurations, allowing the same mounting system to be used across different vehicle models and cargo box types.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack of a vehicle comprising: (a) a mounting bracket adapted to mount the rack to a top edge of a cargo box of the vehicle; (b) an upright pivotally secured to the mounting bracket; and (c) a crossmember secured to the first upright, wherein the crossmember is adapted to span substantially across a width between opposing sides of the cargo box; wherein the rack is adapted to pivot between a stowed position and an extended position by pivoting the upright relative to the mounting bracket.