Single-Side Release Vehicle Crossbar with Cable-Actuated Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle article carrier systems require users to perform cumbersome unlocking and locking operations on both sides of the vehicle when repositioning crossbars, necessitating multiple trips and increasing the effort required for frequent adjustments to accommodate various sizes and shapes of articles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system with a single-sided locking mechanism featuring a trigger-style actuating lever and a cable mechanism that allows both locking pins to be simultaneously extended or retracted, enabling the crossbar assembly to be repositioned and locked from a single side, eliminating the need for back-and-forth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used at both ends of the crossbar, then the crossbar can be securely locked at both ends, but the user must walk to both sides of the vehicle to perform unlocking and locking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanisms at both ends of the crossbar into a single integrated system. The cable runs through the interior of the crossbar, connecting the actuating lever at one end to the locking pin at the opposite end. This allows a single actuating lever to control both locking mechanisms simultaneously, merging two separate operations into one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that transmits the actuating force from the actuating lever at one end of the crossbar to the locking pin at the opposite end. This intermediary mechanism enables remote control of the distant locking mechanism without requiring direct manual intervention at both ends.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used at both ends of the crossbar, then the crossbar can be securely locked at both ends, but multiple trips back and forth are required to reposition the crossbar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanisms at both ends of the crossbar into a single integrated system. The cable runs through the interior of the crossbar, connecting the actuating lever at one end to the locking pin at the opposite end. This allows a single actuating lever to control both locking mechanisms simultaneously, merging two separate operations into one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-installed through the interior of the crossbar, establishing a ready-made transmission path for force. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user needs to reposition the crossbar, the unlocking mechanism is already in place and can be activated immediately with a single lever pull, eliminating the need for preliminary setup or multiple trips.
3Ease of operation
If a cable mechanism is used to couple the actuating lever with the locking pin at the opposite end, then both locking pins can be moved simultaneously from one side, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cable to transmit mechanical force through the interior of the crossbar. This flexible element allows for simple routing and installation compared to rigid mechanical linkages, reducing the overall complexity of the mechanism while maintaining the ability to simultaneously control both locking pins from a single actuating lever.
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
This solution simplifies the repositioning process by allowing users to adjust and secure the crossbar assembly from one side, reducing effort and time, while maintaining the ability to support a wide range of article sizes and shapes without increasing complexity or cost.
Implementation Method 1
An elongated element is used for coupling the actuating lever with the locking pin in the second end support so that movement of the actuating lever enables both of the locking pins to be moved simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
The first end support also includes a trigger shaped actuating lever adapted to be engaged with at least one finger. The actuating lever is pivotally moveable within a horizontal plane when the cross bar is secured to the support rails.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for forming a vehicle article carrier having a single side release crossbar assembly. The crossbar assembly includes a trigger style, horizontally arranged actuating lever that simultaneously locks and unlocks a pair of locking pins at opposite ends of the crossbar assembly from their respective support rails. The support rails are fixedly secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle such that the crossbar assembly is supported above the outer body surface. The single side release feature eliminates the need for the operator to walk back and forth to both sides of the vehicle to unlock and lock the crossbar assembly when the crossbar assembly needs to be repositioned on the support rails.