Vehicle Rack Recoilable Device Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle racks are inflexible and prone to damage when encountering obstacles, requiring separate racks for different types of loads and resulting in damage to the rack and unsecured cargo.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing recoilable devices and cables to secure objects to vehicles, allowing for adaptable mounting and minimizing impact by flexing and rebounding to return objects to their original position after collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid vehicle rack design is used, then the rack provides strong support for cargo, but the rack is prone to damage when striking obstacles and cannot adapt to different load types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rack structure movable and adjustable rather than fixed and rigid. The rack includes movable crossbars that can shift position along the longitudinal rails, and adjustable height mechanisms that allow the rack to adapt to different cargo types and impact forces. This dynamic configuration enables the rack to maintain strength while gaining versatility for different load types and impact scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing key structural parameters of the rack to be modified. The crossbar spacing, height, and angle can be adjusted based on the cargo requirements. The rack system enables changing geometric parameters to optimize both structural strength for support and flexibility for adapting to different load types and impact conditions.
2Device complexity
If a single rack design is used for all load types, then the device complexity is reduced, but the rack cannot securely accommodate various types of cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single rack system that can perform multiple functions for different cargo types. The standardized interface between crossbars and longitudinal rails, combined with adjustable positioning mechanisms, allows one rack structure to securely accommodate bicycles, kayaks, and other recreational equipment without requiring completely different rack designs for each load type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the rack into modular components: longitudinal rails, adjustable crossbars, and detachable connectors. This segmented design allows independent adjustment of each component to suit different cargo requirements while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular nature enables flexibility without increasing overall device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the rack is designed to be flexible to avoid damage, then the rack can adapt to impacts, but the rack may not provide sufficient support strength for cargo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a rack system that is dynamically responsive to impact forces. The movable crossbars and adjustable components can shift and absorb impact energy rather than rigidly resisting it. This dynamic response reduces impact damage while the overall structural framework maintains sufficient support strength for cargo through its engineered geometry and material selection.
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 flexible and adaptable means to secure various loads while reducing damage to both the mount and cargo during impacts, allowing for secure transport of multiple types of objects without the need for multiple racks.
Implementation Method 1
The recoilable device may be configured to flex in response to an impact on the object and return the object to a first original position in the absence of the impact
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securing objects to vehicles, wherein the system may include a first and a second standoff apparatus that may be configured to support an object. Each of the first standoff apparatus and second standoff apparatus may include a recoilable device and a connector for coupling the recoilable device to the object. The first standoff may also include an anchor coupled to the vehicle, a support arm coupled to the anchor, and a cable coupled to the support arm, wherein at least the cable supports the weight of the object. The recoilable device may be configured to flex in response to an impact on the object and return the object to a first original position in the absence of the impact.