Vehicular Load Carrier Rack Locking Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier racks for vehicles lack secure mechanisms to prevent unauthorized removal and adjustment, leading to potential theft and improper use.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a load carrier rack system with a removable blocking device and a locking cover for the clamp device, which includes an interference portion and a lock to prevent unauthorized access and movement, along with an interference mechanism for height adjustment using a rotatable handle and compression bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: a blocking device with interference portion that prevents rack removal, and a locking cover that shields the clamp mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific security function independently, improving overall reliability while keeping individual parts relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cover acts as an intermediary element that physically shields and protects the clamp device operator-engageable portion from unauthorized access. This mediator component prevents direct interaction with the clamping mechanism, thereby enhancing security without requiring complex electronic or mechanical locking systems.
2Reliability
If a locking cover is added to shield the clamp device, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cover is designed to be installed and configured in advance during the rack assembly process. Once installed, it remains in place to provide continuous protection. This preliminary action ensures security is already in place before use, while authorized users can still access the clamp mechanism when needed by removing or opening the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking cover is designed as a removable or openable component rather than a permanent seal. This dynamic design allows it to switch between a protective closed state during normal operation and an accessible open state when adjustment or installation is required, thereby maintaining both security and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an interference mechanism is added for height adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interference mechanism utilizes a rotatable handle that converts rotational motion into linear movement of a compression bolt. This dynamic mechanism allows the upright leg height to be adjusted to multiple positions along the vertical rail, providing adaptability while using a simple mechanical design that does not require complex electronic controls or multiple discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The rotatable handle directly drives the compression bolt to engage with or disengage from the vertical rail, allowing height adjustment without requiring external power sources, complex actuators, or additional control systems. The mechanism serves itself through pure mechanical advantage.
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
Enhances security by preventing unauthorized removal and adjustment, ensuring the load carrier rack remains securely attached to the vehicle while allowing for adjustable height settings.
Implementation Method 1
an interference mechanism including an interference surface, the interference mechanism configured to have an actuated configuration and a released configuration, wherein: in the actuated configuration, the interference surface is engaged with the upright leg to resist movement of the upright leg relative the base; and in the release configuration, the interference surface is disengaged from the upright leg to permit movement of the upright leg relative said base
Implementation Method 2
an interference mechanism for height adjustment using a rotatable handle and compression bolt
Data Source
AI summary
Vehicular mounted load carrier racks can include a lock cover to shroud an operator-engageable portion of a clamp device from unauthorized access in an installed and locked position. The operator-engageable portion can secure and release the clamp device to and from a surface such as a vehicle. The locking cover can be mounted in an installed and locked position on the clamp device to shroud the operator-engageable portion of the clamp device from unauthorized access in the installed and locked position. The locking can comprise a cover body and a lock. The cover body can have perimeter walls defining a receiving cavity within which the operator-engageable portion of a respective clamp device is located in the installed and locked position of the cover body on the clamp device. The lock can be coupled to the cover body. The lock can have an engagement portion transitional between locked and unlocked configurations.