Pivoting Rear Vehicle Rack for Unobstructed Tailgate Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-mounted vehicle carrier racks can inhibit access to the vehicle's rear, as they are typically fixed and do not allow for easy access without detachment, which is inconvenient for loading and unloading recreational items.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rack with a pivoting mechanism and customizable mounting options, including adjustable height, offset, and proximity to the rear bumper, allowing the rack to pivot rearward for unobstructed access to the vehicle's rear without detachment, and customizable to fit various vehicle designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rear-mounted carrier rack is installed to transport recreational items, then the utility for carrying items is improved, but access to the rear of the vehicle is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a forward position (blocking rear access) and a rearward position (allowing rear access). This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction by making the rack's position adaptable rather than fixed, enabling both carrying utility and rear access at different times
2Device complexity
If a fixed rack position is used to simplify the mounting structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate different vehicle designs and user preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into multiple adjustable components including the pivoting rack mechanism, adjustable arms with multiple mounting positions, and configurable receptacles. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted to accommodate different vehicle designs and user preferences while maintaining overall system functionality
3Volume of moving object
If the rack is positioned close to the rear bumper to optimize space utilization, then the space efficiency is improved, but access to the rear of the vehicle becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rack's proximity to the rear bumper is dynamic rather than fixed. When positioned forward, it optimizes space utilization; when pivoted rearward, it clears the rear access path. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between space efficiency and rear access ease
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 easy access to the vehicle's rear for loading and unloading recreational items while maintaining a secure and customizable mounting system, optimizing rack placement based on user preference and vehicle design.
Implementation Method 1
The planar base is coupled to a hitch arm via a pivot portion. The pivot portion allows the receptacle to be pivoted.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a vehicle rack configured to be mounted to the rear of a vehicle. The vehicle rack includes a plurality of receptacles configured to house recreational items, such as skis or snowboards. The plurality of receptacles are coupled to the vehicle by a hitch arm. The hitch arm and plurality of receptacles form a pivot point so that the plurality of receptacles and be pivoted with respect to the hitch arm and the vehicle.