Side-Mounted Suction Rack for Long Flexible Cargo

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rack systems for vehicles are inefficient for transporting long, flexible items due to the need for manual lifting to roof height and limited spatial distribution of attachment points, which can damage vehicles and restrict the carrying of items like ladders and PVC piping.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle mountable carrier system with adjustable, side-mounted racks using suction cups and tether straps, allowing for secure and stable transport of long items at waist or chest level, preventing damage to the vehicle and accommodating items up to 16' lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional overhead rack systems are used to transport long items, then the items can be carried on the vehicle, but manual lifting to roof height is required which increases operational difficulty and risk of injury

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loading itemsVSAvoidmanual lifting force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system transitions from overhead mounting to side-mounted configuration, changing the vertical dimension to a lateral arrangement. This allows items to be loaded at waist or chest level rather than requiring lifting to roof height, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional overhead rack systems with narrow spans are used, then the rack can be mounted on the vehicle, but the spatial distribution of attachment points is insufficient which limits the ability to carry long flexible items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to carry long flexible itemsVSAvoidrack span length

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system employs adjustable and removable components that can be configured in multiple positions along the vehicle side. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the rack span to be extended to accommodate long flexible items like PVC piping and crown molding, while maintaining secure attachment through distributed suction cups and tether straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If items are secured directly to the vehicle surface or using narrow span racks, then the items can be transported, but the vehicle paint finish and exterior surfaces are at risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transport itemsVSAvoiddamage to vehicle paint and surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system introduces intermediate mounting components (suction cups, tether straps, and rack bars) that serve as mediators between the vehicle and the cargo. These intermediaries distribute loads away from direct contact with vehicle surfaces, preventing damage to paint and exterior components while maintaining secure item transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional permanent overhead rack systems are installed, then the vehicle can carry long items, but the system is expensive, unattractive, and difficult to remove or store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier system deployabilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier system is divided into separate, modular components including removable rack bars, detachable suction cup assemblies, and independent tether straps. This segmentation allows the system to be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications to the vehicle, and enables compact storage when not in use, directly addressing the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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, secure, and damage-free transport of long, flexible materials alongside vehicles, improving accessibility and versatility while maintaining compact storage and quick deployment.

Implementation Method 1

One or more suction cups are attached to the rear side of the frame so that a suction side of each cup faces away from the frame, e.g., for attachment to a surface such as the side of the vehicle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10093242B2Vehicle mountable carrier system

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 WILL BRIAN

AI summary

In one series of embodiments, a carrier system includes a rack mountable on a vehicle to transport material. The rack includes a frame having one or more suction cups attached to the rear side of the frame, e.g., for attachment to a surface such as the side of the vehicle. A support bar mates with the frame. The support bar and the frame may include attachment configurations which mate with one another to selectively and securely attach the bar to the front side of the frame with the bar extending in a direction away from the one or more cups. With the rack comprising a plurality of suction cups, the frame may be configured as a plate or may comprise a series of arms or connected braces which extend away from a center position to the suction cups.