Vehicle Rack Clamp with Flexible Strap and Cam Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp systems for securing cargo-specific carriers to vehicle crossbars lack versatility and security, particularly in accommodating various crossbar shapes and sizes, and fail to provide efficient adjustment and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a clamp device with a flexible strap member and a lever apparatus that adjusts its effective length, combined with a cam lever and latch mechanism, allows secure attachment to crossbars of different shapes and sizes, featuring a cap member that tightens the clamp device around the crossbar and a locking assembly for securing the cargo-specific carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing clamp systems are used to secure cargo carriers to crossbars, then the basic attachment function is achieved, but the systems lack versatility in accommodating various crossbar shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp device employs a flexible strap member that can dynamically adjust its configuration to wrap around crossbars of different shapes and sizes. The strap's flexibility allows it to adapt to various geometries while the lever apparatus provides dynamic adjustment of the effective length to maintain secure attachment across different crossbar dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device is designed as a universal attachment system that can secure cargo carriers to multiple types of crossbars (round, square, rectangular) through its flexible strap member. This single device design replaces the need for multiple specialized clamps, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining relatively simple construction.
2Ease of operation
If existing clamp systems are used, then attachment is achieved, but they fail to provide efficient adjustment and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lever apparatus functions as a self-service mechanism where the user's manual operation of the lever directly produces both the adjustment of strap tension and the engagement of the locking mechanism. The lever's movement simultaneously tightens the flexible strap member and activates the latch, eliminating the need for separate adjustment and locking actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the adjustment function and locking function into a single integrated lever apparatus. This combination allows both functions to be performed through one operational motion, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional integration.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment is required for cargo carriers, then reliability is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lever and latch mechanism are designed to engage in preliminary action during the lever's movement, establishing the locked position before the attachment is fully subjected to load. This preliminary engagement ensures reliability by pre-positioning the locking elements to resist detachment forces that will occur during cargo transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the lever apparatus and the strap member, providing a reliable locking interface. This intermediary component translates the lever's motion into a secure mechanical lock that maintains attachment reliability while allowing the rest of the device to remain relatively simple in design.
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 secure, adjustable, and versatile attachment system that effectively grips crossbars of various shapes and sizes, ensuring the cargo-specific carrier is securely fastened and easily unloaded, enhancing the carrying capacity and convenience of recreational equipment on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible strap member may be connected to the first end portion of the body
Implementation Method 2
a lever apparatus that adjusts its effective length
Implementation Method 3
The cap member may have an internal ramp surface configured to slide relative to one or more external ramp surfaces provided on the fitting member, causing a decrease in the width dimension of the gap
Implementation Method 4
a locking assembly for securing the cargo-specific carrier
Data Source
AI summary
Rack systems are disclosed for coupling accessories to crossbars on top of a vehicle. A coupling device may include a flexible strap member adjustably anchored at one end of a body. The strap member may be connected to the other end of the body and tightened. A mounting assembly may be provided on the top side of the body for connection to a cargo-specific carrier or accessory. A coupling device may also include a flexible fitting member configured to grip a round or rectangular crossbar. A cap member may be configured to be mounted on the fitting member and have one or more ramp surfaces which form a sliding interface with a corresponding surface on the fitting member, thereby providing a closing or tightening effect on the fitting member with respect to the crossbar. Other coupling devices are configured to grip or clamp a t-slot in the crossbar.