Vacuum-Mounted Vehicle Carrier for Secure Removable Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive carriers are either expensive and permanently attached, requiring vehicle modifications, or difficult and time-consuming to install and remove, and often damage the vehicle or articles being transported, with limited compatibility across different vehicle models.
Innovation Solution
A detachable carrier system using vacuum devices that securely attach to a vehicle's mounting surface, allowing easy installation and removal without damaging the vehicle or articles, and accommodating various recreational equipment types and vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional carriers are permanently attached to the vehicle with fasteners, then the carrier can withstand large forces and securely transport articles, but the carrier cannot be removed and requires vehicle modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum carrier system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment. The vacuum pad maintains secure attachment through vacuum pressure during transport, but can be easily released by equalizing pressure, allowing the carrier to adapt between fixed and removable states based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, bolts, clips) with a vacuum-based attachment system. Instead of mechanical interlocking, the carrier uses vacuum pressure differential to attach to the vehicle surface, eliminating the need for vehicle modifications while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable carriers are installed using brackets, straps, or latches, then the carrier can be removed, but the installation is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum attachment system replaces complex mechanical installation procedures with a simple vacuum engagement process. The carrier attaches by creating a vacuum seal, which requires no alignment, fastening, or complex manipulation, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining removability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum carrier system is self-attaching and self-detaching without requiring tools or complex procedures. The operator simply activates the vacuum mechanism to attach and releases it to detach, making the system self-servicing and eliminating time-consuming manual installation steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If detachable carriers use plates and straps applied to the vehicle under tension, then the carrier can be installed on different vehicles, but the vehicle mounting surface is damaged with denting and scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum attachment system replaces tension-based mechanical fastening (straps, plates) with a suction-based attachment method. This eliminates the need to apply force to the vehicle surface, preventing denting and scratching while maintaining compatibility across different vehicle types through universal vacuum surface attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pad acts as an intermediary between the carrier and the vehicle surface. Instead of directly applying mechanical force to the vehicle, the vacuum pad creates a pressure differential that secures the carrier without physical contact that could cause damage, protecting the vehicle surface while enabling universal attachment.
4Reliability
If conventional racks are designed for a specific make and model of vehicle, then the rack can securely attach to that vehicle, but the rack cannot be used on different vehicles without adaptors or modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum carrier system is designed with universal applicability, capable of attaching to various vehicle surfaces (windows, roofs, trunks) across different makes and models. The vacuum pad's ability to create a seal on smooth surfaces makes the carrier multi-functional and vehicle-agnostic, eliminating the need for model-specific designs or adaptors while maintaining secure attachment.
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 carrier system provides a secure, damage-free, and versatile solution for transporting recreational equipment across multiple vehicles, maintaining the integrity of the mounting surface and reducing installation complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum device (16) attached to the frame member (12) that can removeably attach to a mounting surface (17) of a vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier system for a vehicle having a pair of vacuum devices shaped and sized to mate and secure to a recreational article. Each vacuum device includes a pad shaped and sized to detachably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity. The vacuum device includes a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator positioned on the plunger to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum cavity.