Fold-Flat T-Top Storage Rack for Secure Angled Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
T-tops in sport utility vehicles are difficult to handle and store due to their size and shape, often leading to damage during transport as they shift within the vehicle's trunk or cargo area, even when protected by vinyl sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A storage rack with two sets of adjustable arms that can hold T-tops at an angle in the vehicle's rear compartment, allowing for full rear visibility, and can be secured to prevent movement during travel, with a stow position to minimize space when not in use, and a hook to keep the hatch or glove box lid open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If T-tops are stored in vinyl sleeves or bags in the trunk or cargo area, then they are protected to some extent, but they still shift during vehicle motion and are prone to damage due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple components: a base structure, adjustable arms, and positioning mechanisms. Each component performs a specific function - the base provides stability, the arms provide adjustable support at different angles, and the positioning mechanisms prevent shifting. This segmentation allows each element to address specific protection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage rack utilizes three-dimensional space by positioning T-tops at angled orientations rather than flat stacking. The adjustable arms can be set at various angles to accommodate T-top shape while maintaining stability, effectively using vertical and angular dimensions to prevent shifting and impact during vehicle motion.
2Ease of operation
If a storage rack with arms is used to store T-tops at an angle for full visibility, then driver visibility is maintained, but the rack occupies more space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack incorporates movable and adjustable arms that can be positioned at different angles for storing T-tops, and then folded or repositioned to a compact configuration when not in use. This dynamic design allows the rack to transition between a functional storage position that maintains driver visibility and a compact stowed position that minimizes space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into a fixed base and separate adjustable arms. The arms can be independently positioned or folded back against the base when not needed, allowing the storage functionality to be separated from the space-occupying structure. This segmentation enables the rack to provide full visibility during use while minimizing space when stowed.
3Ease of operation
If T-tops are removed from the vehicle roof, then the roof is opened up for better ventilation and access, but the T-tops require careful handling and storage to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by the vehicle owner without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms are intuitively designed to accommodate T-top installation and removal, allowing the system to serve itself through user-friendly operation rather than requiring complex professional handling procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage rack provides convenient and secure storage of vehicle roof panels or “T-tops”. The storage rack can be used both in a rear compartment of the vehicle during travel or outside the vehicle such as in a garage. The storage rack has two sets of arms to store the T-tops at an angle in the rear compartment of the vehicle to give the driver full visibility out the rear window. The storage rack arms can be put into a flat stow position to reduce the space taken by the storage rack when not being used for storage of the T-tops. The storage rack may be secured to the vehicle to prevent movement during operation of the vehicle. A hook may be incorporated into the storage rack to secure a hatch or glove box lid in the open position.