Trapezoidal Carrier for Tree Transport

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roof mount systems for automobiles are inadequate for securely transporting cut evergreen trees, as they fail to address the unique size and shape requirements, leading to potential damage to the tree, vehicle, and surrounding vehicles due to improper securing methods.

Innovation Solution

A reusable, trapezoidal-shaped vehicle roof-top carrier made of tear-resistant fabric with non-tacky, non-slip surfaces and adjustable straps and hooks for secure attachment to the vehicle, designed to accommodate the size and shape of cut evergreen trees, preventing slippage and damage during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional roof mount systems are used to transport cut evergreen trees, then the mounting process is simple, but the tree becomes unstable and may slip or fall during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree stabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into multiple independent components: a carrier body made of tear-resistant fabric, multiple straps with buckles for securing, and a non-slip surface layer. Each component performs a specific function, and together they provide stable tree transport without requiring a complex integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is pre-formed with a specific shape designed to accommodate tree trunks, and the non-slip surface is pre-applied to the contact areas. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex adjustments during mounting, as the tree is simply placed into the pre-configured carrier and secured with straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If disposable twine is used to tie down the tree, then the mounting process is quick, but the tree may cause damage to the vehicle finish and surrounding vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle damage preventionVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier acts as an intermediary between the tree and the vehicle roof, providing a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the tree (with sharp branches and sap) and the vehicle finish. The non-slip surface layer further enhances this protective function while maintaining ease of operation through simple strap securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the tree is placed directly on the roof without a carrier, then the mounting is straightforward, but the tree shape causes wind exposure damage and makes dismounting difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedismounting easeVSAvoidtree damage from wind exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is constructed from flexible tear-resistant fabric that conforms to the tree shape, providing protection against wind exposure and physical damage. The flexible nature of the fabric allows the carrier to be easily folded and rolled for compact storage, making dismounting and storage simple despite the protective enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If generic roof mount systems are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate the unique size and shape requirements of cut evergreen trees

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetree size and shape accommodationVSAvoidcarrier manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is designed with universal features that accommodate various tree sizes and shapes: adjustable strap lengths, a flexible fabric body that conforms to different geometries, and a standardized attachment system that works with different vehicle types. This universality achieves adaptability without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a safe and secure method for transporting cut evergreen trees by preventing movement and damage to both the tree and vehicle, while being easy to use and requiring minimal effort for mounting and dismounting.

Implementation Method 1

a non-tacky non-slip surface placed in slip-resistant contact with the roof of the vehicle so as to prevent slippage (i.e., movement) of the tree during transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10668864B2Automobile roof cargo mounting device

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 PGP HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The embodiments herein are directed to a reusable frameless vehicle roof-top carrier configured, dimensioned and arranged to securely mount and carry cargo loads having a size and shape similar to cut evergreen trees, while protecting the vehicle finish and cargo from damage. The reusable vehicle roof-top carrier is trapezoidal shaped to conveniently bind and condense branches of the tree, while catching sap drippings. Illustratively, the vehicle roof-top carrier is made from a tear-resistant fabric and includes a non-tacky non-slip surface placed in slip-resistant contact with the roof of the vehicle so as to prevent slippage (i.e., movement) of the tree during transport.