Roof Rack Bar Cover Interfaces for Correct Mounting and Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof rack load carrying bars face challenges in correctly mounting covers due to similar attachment interfaces, leading to potential incorrect placement and increased wind resistance and noise.
Innovation Solution
The roof rack load carrying bar features asymmetrical attachment interfaces for the first and second covers, along with a hook-shaped gripping member and airflow regulating patterns, to facilitate correct mounting and reduce wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If symmetrical attachment interfaces are used for both covers, then manufacturing is simpler, but incorrect mounting occurs leading to increased wind resistance and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing different attachment interfaces for the first and second covers. The first attachment interface has a first configuration while the second attachment interface has a second configuration, making them non-identical. This asymmetrical design ensures that covers can only be mounted in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect placement that would cause increased wind resistance and noise, while still maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
2Device complexity
If identical attachment interfaces are used for both covers, then device complexity is reduced, but mounting reliability decreases due to potential incorrect placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry in the attachment interface design where the first attachment interface and second attachment interface have different configurations. This asymmetrical arrangement provides clear visual and physical differentiation, enabling users to correctly identify and mount each cover in its proper location. The design achieves this reliability improvement while keeping the overall device complexity relatively low by using straightforward interface geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different attachment interface configurations at specific locations - the first attachment interface at one position along the channel and the second attachment interface at another position. Each interface is locally optimized with its specific configuration to ensure proper orientation and mounting reliability, while the rest of the cover structure can remain relatively simple and uniform.
3Strength
If sharp edges are present in the cross section, then structural strength is improved, but wind resistance and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by providing a rounded edge at the front of the load carrying bar cross-section instead of a sharp edge. This rounded edge configuration reduces wind resistance and noise by allowing air to flow smoothly over the bar surface, preventing turbulence and vortex formation. The curved geometry maintains sufficient structural strength while significantly improving aerodynamic performance compared to sharp-edged designs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a roof rack load carrying bar having a channel for receiving at least one mounting member for attaching a load carrying bar accessory to the load carrying bar, the channel extending at least partly in a length direction of the load carrying bar, a first and a second cover extending in the length direction of the load carrying bar and being arranged for sealing the channel from an external environment, the first cover being attached to the load carrying bar via a first attachment interface provided at a first side of the channel, the second cover being attached to the load carrying bar via a second attachment interface provided at a second side of the channel, wherein the first and the second attachment interface being asymmetrical with respect to each other.