Car Roof Luggage Rack Connecting Assembly Without Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly process for mounting a car roof luggage rack involves complicated connections using fasteners like screws or bolts, which can damage the car roof structure and require significant modifications.

Innovation Solution

A connecting assembly comprising a luggage rack fixing support, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member, where the first engaging portion is an engaging slot and the second engaging portion is an engaging key, allowing for a simple and quick mounting process without fasteners, limiting movements to secure the luggage rack firmly on the car roof.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a seat belt assembly with a retractor, reel, and webbing is used, then the seat belt can be wound and paid out to restrain a passenger, but the assembly becomes complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat belt functionVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting assembly is divided into separate components: a first connecting assembly for the driver side and a second connecting assembly for the passenger side. Each assembly can be manufactured and installed independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full seat belt functionality on both sides.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assembly is designed to be universal and adaptable, with features that allow it to function in multiple configurations. The assembly can accommodate different seat belt routing requirements and can be used on both driver and passenger sides, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a complex seat belt assembly with multiple components is installed in a car, then the seat belt can function properly, but the installation time and process become lengthy and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat belt functionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the seat belt system into separate first and second connecting assemblies, each side can be installed independently and more quickly. The modular design allows installation teams to work on both sides simultaneously without interference, significantly reducing total installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting assemblies are pre-configured and pre-assembled with all necessary components (retractors, reels, webbing) before installation in the vehicle. This preliminary preparation ensures that during vehicle assembly, the components are ready for quick installation without requiring complex on-site assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a simplified connecting assembly is used, then the manufacturing process becomes easier, but the ability to restrain passengers effectively is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly productionVSAvoidpassenger restraint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into first and second connecting assemblies maintains full restraint functionality by providing dedicated assemblies for driver and passenger sides, each with complete seat belt components including retractor, reel, and webbing, ensuring effective passenger restraint while simplifying manufacturing through modular production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The universal design of the connecting assembly ensures that despite simplification, the assembly maintains full seat belt functionality including winding, payout, and restraint capabilities. The multi-functional design allows a single assembly type to serve both driver and passenger sides without compromising safety effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4299381B1Connecting assembly and car equipped with same
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 ZHEJIANG SMART INTELLIGENCE TECH CO LTD
  • EP4299381B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4299381B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4299381B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A car roof luggage rack connecting assembly. A side panel (10) is comprised, and the connecting assembly comprises a luggage rack fixing support (40), a first connecting member (20) and a second connecting member (30), wherein the luggage rack fixing support (40) is mounted on the side panel (10), and a slot (42) is formed between the luggage rack fixing support (40) and the side panel (10); the first connecting member (20) comprises a first transverse portion (21) and a first vertical portion (22) extending upward from a side of the first transverse portion (21), the first vertical portion (22) being provided with a first engaging portion (23), and the first transverse portion (21) being engaged in the slot (42); the second connecting member (30) is mounted on the side panel (10) and comprises a second vertical portion (32) provided with a second engaging portion (33) and vertically extending; and when the first engaging portion (23) is engaged with the second engaging portion (33), the first vertical portion (22) abuts against the second vertical portion (32) such that the first connecting member (20) is mounted between the second connecting member (30) and the luggage rack fixing support (40), and a car roof luggage rack (90) is mounted on a car by means of the first connecting member (20). A mounting process for the connecting member is easy and quick, and no fasteners are needed for fixation, thereby reducing changing of a car roof structure. Further disclosed is a car provided with the connecting assembly.