Luggage Carrier Support Foot Horizontal Lever Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional luggage carrier load bars have complex and costly constructions with mechanisms involving levers, wires, and springs, which are difficult to operate and prone to durability issues, and existing locking assemblies are inconvenient for users, often leading to misplaced tools and insufficient force for rotation.
Innovation Solution
A load bar with an integrated attachment lever that operates in a horizontal plane, featuring a pivotable pull rod and clamp mechanism, allowing for easier maneuverability and higher clamping force, with no loose parts required for locking and unlocking, and capable of functioning on both open and closed mounting rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanisms with levers, wires, and springs are used, then the clamping function is achieved, but the construction becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lever, clamp, and mounting rail into an integrated assembly where the lever is directly coupled to the clamp mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate wires and springs, reducing construction complexity while maintaining the clamping function through a unified mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention removes the wires and springs from the conventional mechanism, extracting only the essential lever and clamp components. This simplification achieves the same clamping function with fewer parts, reducing both construction complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If wires and springs are used in the mechanism, then the clamping function is achieved, but durability is reduced after prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates wires and springs from the mechanism, removing the components that deteriorate over time. The remaining lever and clamp assembly consists of robust metal parts that maintain their mechanical properties and durability throughout the product's service life.
3Reliability
If conventional lever mechanisms are used, then the clamping function is achieved, but operating the lever becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the lever to operate in a horizontal plane rather than vertically, providing better ergonomic access for the user. This dimensional change allows the lever to be maneuvered more easily while still achieving the same clamping function through rotational movement.
4Reliability
If manually rotatable knobs are used, then the locking function is achieved, but users may misplace tools and insufficient force is available for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for separate locking tools by integrating the locking function directly into the lever mechanism. The lever itself serves as both the operating tool and the locking mechanism, eliminating tool misplacement issues and providing sufficient rotational force through its lever arm design.
5Device complexity
If the attachment lever operates in a vertical plane, then the mechanism is compact, but the lever is harder to manoeuvre with less available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the lever operation from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane, providing greater spatial availability for user manipulation. This dimensional change increases the lever's manoeuvrability and ergonomic accessibility while maintaining a compact overall mechanism design.
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 solution provides improved ergonomics, reduced mounting force, and increased durability by eliminating protruding parts and loose components, making the load bar easier to use and assemble, while maintaining a secure clamping force on the rail.
Implementation Method 1
an attachment lever, arranged to secure a load bar to a mounting rail or similar device
Implementation Method 2
the lever may be easier to manoeuvre, e.g. be longer with better ratio thanks to more available space and better ergonomics which may imply higher clamping force and lower mounting force
Implementation Method 3
a pull rod which is pivotably connected to said attachment lever and a movable clamp
Implementation Method 4
the attachment lever in its movement drags the pull rod and thereby also the clamp against the rail to exert a clamping force on the rail
Implementation Method 5
exert a clamping force on the rail and locks the support foot and thereby also the load bar to the rail
Data Source
AI summary
A support foot for a luggage carrier, for a vehicle, said support foot including a main part, a first clamping part, a second clamping part wherein at least one of said clamping parts are movable and a clamping mechanism, said clamping mechanism including an attachment lever, arranged to secure a load bar to a mounting rail or similar device, wherein said attachment lever is arranged at one side of said main part and is arranged to operate in a horizontal plane between a closed and an open position.