Swing-in-place cross bars for low profile vehicle carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle article carrier systems with swing in place cross bars do not adequately address the need for a low profile, aerodynamically efficient, and aesthetically pleasing design that minimizes aerodynamic impact when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article carrier system featuring side rails with mounting and latching recesses and rotating end support subsystems that allow cross bars to pivot and elevate simultaneously, enabling them to be stowed in a low profile configuration and quickly deployed perpendicularly between side rails, using actuating components for easy transition between stowed and operative positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cross bars are fixedly mounted between side rails, then structural stability is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency and visual appeal deteriorate due to constant presence
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar system transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic swing-in-place mechanism that allows the cross bar to move between operative and stowed positions. The cross bar pivots at its first end while remaining attached to the side rail, enabling it to swing into a position where it extends perpendicularly between side rails for structural support, or swings parallel to the side rail for reduced aerodynamic drag and improved aesthetics.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cross bars are made stowable along side rails, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to detachment and reattachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic swing-in-place mechanism where the cross bar remains permanently attached to the side rail through a pivot connection. This eliminates the need for complete detachment and reattachment, allowing users to simply swing the cross bar into or out of position. The pivot connection maintains structural integrity while enabling easy repositioning between operative and stowed configurations.
3Ease of operation
If cross bars are fixedly mounted, then ease of operation is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency and low profile configuration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar system uses a dynamic swing-in-place mechanism that allows the cross bar to remain easily accessible for loading and unloading while reducing aerodynamic drag when not in use. The cross bar swings parallel to the side rail in the stowed position, creating a low profile configuration that minimizes aerodynamic interference, yet can be quickly swung into the perpendicular operative position for structural support during cargo transport.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If cross bars are made movable between positions, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a relatively simple swing-in-place mechanism where the cross bar pivots at its first end while remaining attached to the side rail. This single pivot connection enables the cross bar to swing between operative and stowed positions without requiring complex detachment systems, multiple components, or sophisticated control mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving aerodynamic efficiency.
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 provides a low profile, aerodynamically efficient, and visually appealing solution that allows for easy deployment and stowage of cross bars, enhancing vehicle aesthetics and reducing aerodynamic drag when not in use, while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotating end support subsystem at a first end of the first cross bar and being operably coupled to the first mounting recess to enable simultaneous pivotal and elevational movement of the first end of the first cross bar
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a low profile, highly aerodynamic swing-in-place style vehicle article carrier system for use on a wide variety of passenger cars and trucks. The system makes use of a pair of side rails that are used to support a pair of cross bars in stowed positions thereon where the cross bars are secured parallel to the side rails, or in operative positions where the cross bars are secured perpendicularly between the side rails. The side rails each incorporate a rotating end support subsystem which automatically elevates one end of its associated cross bar when the cross bar is moved pivotally into its operative position. This enables the cross bars to form a very low profile when in their stowed positions, but to be automatically raised a predetermined distance when moved into their operative positions, to thus provide additional clearance between the cross bars and an outer body surface of the vehicle.