Telescopic Roof Loading Device with Suction Mount

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for transporting bulky objects like canoes and kayaks on vehicle roofs are either too bulky, limited in their versatility, or require specific roof bars, making them difficult to handle and install.

Innovation Solution

A device with a telescopic arm and adjustable guide surfaces that can be fixed to a vehicle using suction cups, allowing for easy loading and unloading of elongated objects on various roof types without the need for specific roof bars, featuring a compact and lightweight design with adjustable guide surfaces and a retractable support base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a device with suction cups and guide rails is used to transport objects on vehicle roofs, then the object can be securely held, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to store

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holdingVSAvoiddevice bulkiness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a mounting base with suction cups, a telescopic arm, and a guide element. These segments can be collapsed into each other when not in use, reducing overall device volume while maintaining secure holding capability when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arm allows the guide element to be nested within the arm structure when retracted, and the entire assembly can be collapsed into a compact form factor for storage, effectively nesting functional components within each other to minimize volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a fixed support structure is used to hoist objects onto the roof, then the object can be supported, but the device cannot be used on all types of vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject supportVSAvoidvehicle compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting base with suction cups serves multiple functions: it can be attached to various vertical surfaces (vehicle sides, rear doors, roof racks), provides stable support, and allows for adjustable positioning. This universal mounting capability enables the device to work with different vehicle types and configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arm provides dynamic adjustability in length and angle, allowing the guide element to reach different positions on the vehicle roof regardless of the mounting location. This dynamic adaptation enables compatibility with various vehicle sizes and roof configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a telescopic arm is used to reach the roof, then the device can accommodate various vehicle heights, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle height accommodationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic arm is divided into collapsible segments that can extend and retract along guided paths, providing the necessary reach and adjustment capability while maintaining a compact form when retracted, thus managing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If guide surfaces are positioned far apart to accommodate wide objects, then larger objects can be handled, but the device becomes more bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject size accommodationVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element can be adjusted along the telescopic arm to change the distance between guide surfaces, allowing accommodation of different object widths. When not in use, the guide element can be retracted to minimize the device's volume, thus resolving the contradiction between handling capability and storage size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the secure and efficient transportation of elongated objects on any type of roof, including those with limited rear access, by providing a stable and adaptable solution that is easy to install and handle, suitable for various shapes and sizes, and can be easily stored when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing support 2 of the device to a surface of the vehicle, said surface extending in a vertical direction, comprises at least first and second fixing suction cups 21, 22

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3835133B1Device for placing an object on a vehicle roof

Publication Date: 2022.10.05 SAUVAGER ALAIN

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for loading or unloading an object on or from the top of a vehicle, comprising: - a mounting support (2) for the device (1) to a surface of the vehicle extending in a vertical direction, said mounting support (2) comprising at least one first suction cup for fixing and at least one contact means (23); - a telescopic arm (3) having one end fixed to the mounting support (2) the other end being deployable, - a guide (4) for said object, fixed to the deployable end of the telescopic arm (3), the guide (4) comprising at least one first guiding surface, said guide being pivotally mounted relative to said mounting support (2).