Adjustable Roof Rack Locking Structure for Stable Multi-Car Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roof rack fixing structures lack flexibility in application width and height, leading to instability and risk of loosening during driving, posing safety threats due to wind and vibration.

Innovation Solution

A roof rack fixing structure featuring a frame case with a L-shaped first and second fastener, an insert piece, and a knob rod, allowing adjustable height and width to fit multiple car types, with an anti-theft lock for secure attachment to the roof rack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating piece is used to adjust height, then height flexibility is improved, but the fixing unit cannot attach close to the roof rack and becomes vulnerable to wind and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight flexibilityVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is divided into multiple components: a frame case with opening, partition boards, first fastener for width adjustment, and second fastener with insert piece for height adjustment. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization of adjustment capability and attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure incorporates adjustable elements including the first fastener that can be positioned at different locations on the frame case, and the second fastener with insert piece that can be fixed between different partition boards, enabling dynamic adaptation to different roof rack dimensions while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a fixed fixing structure is used, then attachment stability is improved, but adaptability to various car types and roof rack widths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidapplication width range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame case is designed as a universal base structure that can accommodate different roof rack types. The first fastener can be detachably connected at multiple positions on the frame case, and the second fastener with insert piece can be adjusted to different heights by fixing between different partition boards, allowing one fixing structure to serve multiple car types and roof rack configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The structure allows parameter adjustment in two dimensions: width adjustment through repositioning the first fastener on the frame case, and height adjustment through repositioning the second fastener between different partition boards. This enables the same fixing structure to adapt to various roof rack dimensions while maintaining stable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable components are added to improve adaptability, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-car type applicabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure merges multiple functions into integrated components. The frame case combines the opening, partition boards, and nut stand into a single unit. The second fastener combines the insert piece and fixing piece into one component. The knob rod integrates the adjustment and locking functions. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining adjustability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert piece is nested within the frame case opening, and the fixing piece is formed by bending and extending the insert piece itself. The partition boards are positioned within the frame case. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be contained within a compact structure, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3808605B1General-purpose and dedicated roof rack locking structure
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 FORMOSA SAINT JOSE
  • EP3808605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3808605B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3808605B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention discloses a roof rack fixing structure, used to fix a roof rack on a car top. The roof rack fixing structure includes a frame case with an opening; a first fastener; a second fastener; and a knob rod. With the implementation of the present invention, the roof rack fixing structure is firmly combined with the roof rack; more than one combining positions provided by the second fastener to be adaptive to various cars; and the position of the first fastener complies with the width of the roof rack rods on the car with no risk of loosening from it; moreover, with further implementation of an anti-theft lock, the roof rack fixing structure can be locked and secured and the risk of driving due to movement or loosening of the roof rack fixing structure is eliminated.