Universal Utility Rack Base Frame with Interchangeable Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle racks are typically specialized for specific recreational devices, making it impossible to transport multiple types of items on the same vehicle, often requiring multiple vehicles for different activities like biking and skiing.
Innovation Solution
A utility rack system with a base frame, mounting member, adjustment member, and adjustable legs that can be secured to a vehicle, allowing for various attachments to support a wide range of items, including biking and skiing equipment, through a pivotally secured base frame and adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized racks are used for specific recreational devices, then the rack can securely transport that specific device, but the vehicle cannot transport multiple types of items requiring different rack configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system employs a universal base frame with interchangeable attachment mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of recreational devices. The base frame includes standardized mounting points and adjustable components that allow different rack types (bike racks, ski racks, etc.) to be attached to the same vehicle platform, enabling one rack system to perform multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system is divided into modular components: a permanent base frame and removable specialized attachments. This segmentation allows the user to keep the simple base frame installed on the vehicle and swap out only the specific attachment needed for the current activity, reducing the complexity of having multiple complete rack systems while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized racks are purchased for different activities, then each activity has dedicated transport capability, but the vehicle requires multiple racks or vehicles to handle different recreational needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal base frame that can support various specialized attachments, allowing a single rack investment to replace multiple specialized racks. The base frame includes standardized interfaces that accommodate bike racks, ski racks, and other recreational equipment attachments, reducing the total number of racks needed from multiple specialized units to one universal platform with interchangeable attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the common functional elements of multiple rack types into a single base frame structure. The mounting mechanisms, adjustment systems, and support structures are merged into the base frame, while only the device-specific attachment portions need to be swapped, effectively combining the functionality of multiple racks into one unified system.
3Reliability
If a fixed rack configuration is installed on a vehicle, then the rack provides stable and reliable transport for that specific device, but the rack cannot be reconfigured for different types of equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The base frame includes adjustable mounting points, movable support arms, and interchangeable attachments that can be repositioned or replaced based on the specific device being transported. This dynamic design maintains reliability through secure attachment mechanisms while enabling adaptability for different equipment types.
Solution Approach 2:
The base frame is pre-installed on the vehicle with standardized mounting interfaces and adjustment mechanisms prepared in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that when a specific attachment is needed, it can be quickly and reliably installed without complex customization, maintaining both reliability through proven mounting hardware and adaptability through pre-prepared interfaces for various attachments.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a utility rack having a base frame with a plurality of cross members extending across the base frame and an accessory. The accessory includes at least one attachment device for attaching to at least one of the cross members. The attachment device includes a cross member retainer configured to partially retain a cross member, a hinged brace configured to move between an open position rotated away from the cross member retainer and a closed position rotate towards the cross member retainer and configured to press against the cross member, and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace in the closed position and maintain a pressure of the hinged brace against the cross member.