Vacuum Hitch Rack Carrier with Foldable Support Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle carrier systems are cumbersome, energy-intensive, and inflexible, often requiring permanent attachments that are not compatible with different vehicle models, leading to increased fuel waste and limited versatility, especially for racing teams and vehicles without roof rails.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-based carrier system with a reduced footprint, featuring detachable vacuum devices, break and fold assemblies, and adjustable components that can securely attach to various vehicles without permanent fixtures, allowing for easy installation, removal, and storage, and accommodating multiple bicycles or other recreational equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional bars and brackets are used for carrier systems, then structural strength is improved, but weight and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical bracket and bar system with a vacuum-based attachment system. The vacuum carrier uses suction force to attach to the vehicle roof surface, eliminating the need for heavy welded brackets and crossbars. This substitution of mechanical attachment with vacuum adhesion directly reduces the weight of the carrier system while maintaining the necessary holding strength for transporting bicycles and other equipment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If permanent attachments are used, then installation stability is improved, but adaptability to different vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum carrier system transitions from static permanent attachments to dynamic removable attachments. The vacuum cups can be easily installed and removed, allowing the carrier to adapt to different vehicle models, roof shapes, and mounting surfaces. This dynamic attachment mechanism provides both stability during use (through strong vacuum hold) and versatility for different applications and vehicles.
3Quantity of substance
If fixed position racks are used, then carrying capacity is improved, but ease of storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier system is divided into separable components: the vacuum carrier unit that attaches to the vehicle, and the support bars that can be removed and folded. This segmentation allows the main carrier body to remain on the vehicle for continuous use, while the support structure can be detached and stored in a compact folded state, solving both the carrying capacity and storage convenience requirements.
4Strength
If heavy duty materials are used, then load bearing capacity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum carrier replaces heavy mechanical support structures with a lightweight vacuum adhesion system. By using suction force instead of heavy-duty steel brackets and crossbars, the overall weight of the carrier system is dramatically reduced. This weight reduction directly decreases the energy consumption and fuel required to move the vehicle, while the vacuum system maintains adequate load bearing capacity for transporting bicycles and recreational equipment.
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 system provides a lightweight, efficient, and adaptable solution that reduces energy consumption, minimizes storage space, and allows for quick bike changes during racing, while being compatible with various vehicles, including those without roof rails, thereby enhancing travel convenience and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum devices with powerful holding action were used to provide the carrying capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum-based hitch rack carrier system for a vehicle having a rear hitch and rear hitch receiver. The system includes a plurality of vacuum devices having a pad shaped and sized to removably seat with a vehicle to form a vacuum cavity, a plunger attached to the pad and in fluid communication with the vacuum cavity, and an indicator associated with the vacuum device to indicate the level of vacuum pressure within the vacuum. The system has a receiver hitch adapter for joining a rack configured to secure an article to the vehicle via attachment to the rear hitch receiver, a mount shaped and sized to mate and secure the article to the rack, and one or more support bars attached to said mount. At least one of the support bars contains a break and fold assembly configured to allow the carrier system to be folded.