Single-Side Release Vehicle Crossbar via Cable Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle article carrier systems require users to unlock and lock crossbars from both sides, making repositioning cumbersome and often involve complex, costly mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system with a single side locking and release mechanism, where actuating members connected by an elongated member allow both end supports to be locked or unlocked from one side, using biasing elements and pulley wheels for simultaneous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional locking mechanisms are used at each end of the crossbar, then the crossbar can be securely locked at both ends, but the user must access both sides of the vehicle to lock and unlock, making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanisms of both ends of the crossbar into a single integrated system. A first locking mechanism at one end and a second locking mechanism at the other end are connected through a cable system, allowing a single actuating motion to simultaneously lock or unlock both ends. This merging of functions enables the user to secure or release the entire crossbar from one location, eliminating the need to access both sides of the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element that transmits the locking force from one end of the crossbar to the other. When the user actuates the locking mechanism at one end, the cable transmits this action through the crossbar structure to simultaneously engage or disengage the locking mechanism at the opposite end. This intermediary system enables coordinated operation of both locking mechanisms through a single user input.
2Ease of operation
If single side release feature is implemented, then the user can lock and unlock from one side only, but previous attempts required complex locking mechanisms that were costly and required complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the locking system into separate, modular components: a first locking mechanism at one end of the crossbar, a second locking mechanism at the other end, and a cable system connecting them. Each locking mechanism can be independently manufactured and assembled, then integrated through the cable connection. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that are easier to manufacture and assemble, avoiding the need for a single complex integrated locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve single-side release, the patent inverts the approach by using a simple cable-pulley system that naturally transmits force bidirectionally. The cable system, when tensioned or released, automatically coordinates both locking mechanisms without requiring complex control logic or additional actuators. This inversion of the problem-solving approach simplifies the overall system while achieving the desired single-side release functionality.
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 repositioning of crossbars by allowing locking and unlocking from either end, reducing user effort and eliminating the need for complex mechanisms, while maintaining a robust and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the locking pins is positioned adjacent an associated biasing element. The biasing elements urge the locking pins into extended positions so that they engage with a selected pair of the holes in the side rails
Implementation Method 2
Rotational movement of either one of the trigger style actuating members causes the effective length of the cable to be reduced. The pulley wheels at each locking element enable both locking elements to be linearly withdrawn into retracted positions when either of the actuating members is moved into its unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle article carrier apparatus and method incorporating a single side releasable crossbar assembly. In one embodiment the crossbar assembly includes a pair of end supports that each includes an actuating member. In one embodiment the actuating member is formed by a pivotally mounted actuating lever. In another embodiment the actuating member is formed by a rotationally mounted, trigger style actuating member. In either embodiment, the actuating member is movable between locked and unlocked positions. Each end support also includes a locking pin having a pivot wheel carried thereon. A cable is entrained around the pulley wheel of each locking pin, and the ends of the cable are coupled to the actuating members. Either actuating member can be used to simultaneously lock and unlock the locking pins of both end supports from a pair of support rails on which the cross bar assembly is supported.