Stowable Cross Bar for Vehicle Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle article carrier systems with cross bars pose wind resistance and storage challenges, as they are difficult to remove and store without occupying valuable cargo space or being left behind when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system with hingedly secured cross bars that can be stowed parallel to the support rails, eliminating aerodynamic drag when not in use, and easily deployed when needed, using attachment components that engage with fixed points on the support rails for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cross bars are removed from the vehicle article carrier system, then wind resistance is reduced, but the cross bars cannot be easily stored inside the vehicle due to their length being close to the overall width of the vehicle roof
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar is nested within the support rail assembly when stowed. The stowable cross bar fits into a receptacle or channel formed by the support rails, allowing compact storage along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle without occupying cargo space. This nesting arrangement enables the cross bar to be stored in a space-efficient manner that would not be possible through simple placement inside the vehicle cargo area.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross bar storage solution transitions from three-dimensional storage (inside cargo space) to one-dimensional storage (along the longitudinal axis between support rails). By utilizing the longitudinal dimension between the support rails rather than the lateral or vertical dimensions of cargo space, the system achieves compact storage without compromising cargo volume.
2Reliability
If cross bars are stored inside the vehicle, then they are readily available for use, but they occupy valuable cargo space and interfere with full use of available cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar is nested within the support rail structure, utilizing the space between the rails rather than occupying cargo space. This nesting arrangement keeps the cross bar readily available on the vehicle while maintaining full cargo space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage transitions from occupying cargo volume to utilizing the longitudinal dimension between support rails. This dimensional shift allows the cross bar to be stored in a space that would otherwise be aerodynamic void space, not actual cargo volume.
3Volume of stationary object
If cross bars are stored off the vehicle in a garage, then cargo space is optimized, but the user may not have the cross bars with them when an unanticipated need arises
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar is nested within the support rail assembly, keeping it permanently mounted and readily accessible on the vehicle. This eliminates the need to store cross bars off-vehicle while maintaining full cargo space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross bar is pre-positioned in a stowed configuration within the support rail structure, ready for immediate deployment when needed. This preliminary arrangement ensures availability without requiring separate storage locations or assembly steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If cross bars are made removable to eliminate wind resistance, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but removal requires special tools and time-consuming procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar transitions from a fixed, non-removable state to a dynamically adjustable state with two configurations: operative (perpendicular to support rails for cargo support) and stowed (parallel to support rails for aerodynamic efficiency). The hinged mechanism enables easy transition between states without tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of removing the cross bar entirely to reduce wind resistance, the system inverts the approach by rotating the cross bar into a stowed position where it remains attached but presents minimal aerodynamic profile. This inversion maintains the attachment mechanism while achieving the wind resistance reduction goal.
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
The system allows for efficient storage and quick deployment of cross bars, reducing wind resistance and optimizing cargo space, while ensuring they are always available for use.
Implementation Method 1
each said end support being hingedly secured to its respective end of the central portion and moveable between a first position substantially parallel with the central portion, and a second position extending non-parallel to the central portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle article carrier system is adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system may include a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface and at least one cross bar. The cross bar may have end supports that are able to pivot. The end supports may be secured to the support rails to place the cross bars in an operative position extending generally perpendicularly between the support rails, and elevationally above the support rails. The end supports may also enable the cross bar to be placed in a stowed position along the slats where each of the end supports lay generally co-linear with a central portion its respective cross bar.