Adjustable Transport Rack Clamps for Fast Vehicle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport rack systems are cumbersome and require modifications to vehicle surfaces for secure attachment, lacking ease and versatility in attaching various objects, particularly bicycles, to vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A transport rack assembly comprising three components - two clamp bases and a strap base, with removable attachment devices, allowing quick and secure attachment to vehicle surfaces without alteration, and adjustable sizing for different vehicles, and featuring a movable clamp connection and locking mechanism for easy object securing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing transport rack assemblies use fixed attachment mechanisms, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to quickly and easily attach and detach various objects is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transport rack assembly is divided into separate clamp bases (first clamp base, second clamp base) that can independently attach to the vehicle surface. Each clamp base functions as an independent module with its own attachment mechanism, allowing for rapid deployment and removal of individual clamping units without affecting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly incorporates a movable connection mechanism with a second clamp that can pivot between clamping and open positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the clamp to quickly transition between attached and detached states, enabling fast attachment and detachment of objects like bicycles without manual disassembly of multiple fasteners.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transport rack uses a single fixed configuration, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but versatility in accommodating different object sizes and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transport rack assembly is designed with multiple clamp bases and a movable clamp mechanism that can accommodate various object sizes and types (e.g., bicycles, cargo). The adjustable positioning and pivoting capabilities allow a single device to serve multiple functions and secure different configurations of objects to the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connection enables the second clamp to dynamically adjust its position and orientation to fit different object geometries. The pivoting mechanism allows the clamp to adapt to various angles and distances from the vehicle surface, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized fixtures.
3Reliability
If the clamp mechanism uses a simple fixed structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to securely hold objects while allowing quick release is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable connection mechanism allows the second clamp to pivot securely into a clamping position where it firmly holds the object, then easily pivots to an open position for quick release. This dynamic positioning provides both secure holding during transport and easy detachment when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly's movable connection is designed to maintain secure holding through its own mechanical geometry and friction characteristics, requiring minimal additional locking mechanisms. The pivoting action itself provides the securing function, allowing reliable attachment and easy release without complex multi-step locking procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport rack assembly includes a left side clamp base and a separate right side clamp base that are adjustably positionable toward and away from each other. Both the left side clamp base and right side clamp base have a first clamp and a second clamp. The second clamp on each clamp base is movable toward and away from the first clamp on each clamp base between a first position where the first clamp and second clamp are spaced from each other enabling an object to be positioned between the first clamp and the second clamp, and a second position where the first clamp and second clamp engage with each other enabling the object to be clamped between the first clamp and second clamp. The transport rack assembly also includes a strap base that is separate from the left side clamp base and the right side clamp base.