Stowable Cross Bars for Vehicle Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle article carrier cross bars contribute to wind resistance when not in use, and their removal and storage pose challenges due to size and space constraints, potentially leading to unavailability when needed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system with stowable cross bars that can be hingedly secured to support rails, allowing them to pivot from an operative perpendicular position to a non-operative parallel position, effectively hiding them when not in use, using attachment components that engage with support rail points without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cross bars are removed from the vehicle article carrier, then wind resistance is reduced, but the cross bars may not be available when needed and require storage space inside or outside the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bars are designed to be dynamically repositionable between an operative position (extending perpendicularly between support rails) and a stowed position (parallel to the support rails). The hinged connection at the neck portions allows the cross bars to pivot and be secured in either position using attachment components, enabling the system to adapt between reducing wind resistance and maintaining availability of cross bars
2Reliability
If cross bars are stored inside the vehicle, then they are kept available for use, but cargo space is reduced and they may interfere with full use of available cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing cross bars inside the vehicle's cargo volume, the system utilizes the vertical and lateral space above the vehicle body by positioning cross bars in a stowed configuration parallel to the support rails. This dimensional repositioning keeps cross bars attached to the vehicle structure while clearing the cargo area, maintaining availability without sacrificing interior storage volume
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cross bars are made removable, then wind resistance is reduced when not in use, but special tools and time-consuming procedures are required for removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment components are designed to be self-servicing, allowing users to install and remove cross bars without special tools. The attachment component includes a body with an opening and a resilient arm that can be manually manipulated to engage with attachment points on the support rails, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment
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 minimizes aerodynamic drag and optimizes storage by allowing cross bars to be easily stowed parallel to the vehicle body, preserving cargo space and 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 adapted to be secured to an outer body surface of a vehicle. The system includes a pair of support rails secured to the outer body surface and at least one cross bar. The cross bar has 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 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.