Vehicle Integrated Mobility Device Support Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle support structures for recreational and personal mobility devices, such as independent roof mounts or rear vehicle door mounts, are inconvenient and pose challenges when mounting these devices to non-integral support structures.
Innovation Solution
A personal mobility device support assembly integrated with a vehicle, featuring a pair of assemblies with a housing, a first member for translation, a second member for pivotal movement, and a connector member to secure the mobility device, ensuring it does not contact the vehicle bumper, along with a bracket for mounting the device, and a cover for access to the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobility devices are mounted to independent roof mounts or rear vehicle door mounts, then the devices can be transported, but the mounting process becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support assembly directly into the vehicle body structure, merging the mounting function with the vehicle's existing structural framework. The housing is secured within a rear panel portion of the vehicle, and the members work together as an integrated system rather than separate components, eliminating the need for independent roof mounts or door mounts.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed to accommodate multiple types of mobility devices (bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, skis, snowboards, and inflatable aquatic floatation devices) through a single integrated system. The bracket can be mounted to different members depending on the device being transported, providing universal functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the first member extends a predetermined distance, then the mobility device does not contact the bumper, but the overall length of the support assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first member is designed to translate between extended and retracted positions within the housing. When a mobility device is mounted, the first member extends a predetermined distance to position the device away from the bumper. When not in use, the member retracts to minimize the assembly's length and reduce aerodynamic drag.
Solution Approach 2:
The first member is pre-configured with a predetermined extension distance that automatically positions the mobility device at the correct spacing from the bumper when deployed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user.
3Loss of energy
If the housing is selectively accessible from within the panel portion, then the assembly is aerodynamic when closed, but access to the members becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented with a removable or openable cover that provides selective access to the internal members. The cover can be closed during vehicle operation to maintain aerodynamic flow, and opened when loading or unloading mobility devices, allowing the system to optimize for both aerodynamics and accessibility at different times.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal mobility device support assembly integrated with a vehicle includes a pair of assemblies, a connector member, and a bracket. Each of the pair of assemblies includes a housing secured within a rear panel portion of the vehicle, a first member mounted to translate from within the housing, and a second member pivotally mounted to the first member to rotate between stowed and deployed positions. The connector member secures ends of the second members to one another when in the deployed position. The bracket may be sized for mounting to one of the members to support a mobility device. The connector member may be adapted to secure ends of the third member to one another.