Vehicle Rack Assembly Sliding and Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raising and lowering cargo from vehicle racks can be challenging, especially in congested areas, due to the vertical height and proximity to obstacles, making it difficult to load and unload cargo efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A rack assembly with an actuation system that transitions between a stowed position and a loading position by sliding and pivoting the cargo frame relative to the anchor and cantilever frames, using a cable drive system and motor to facilitate easy access and unloading, with a lock assembly to secure the frames in place during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rack is mounted at a fixed vertical height on the vehicle, then the rack can support cargo during vehicle driving, but raising and lowering cargo becomes challenging especially in congested areas
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly transitions from a static fixed-position structure to a dynamic multi-position system. The cargo frame can slide along the cantilever frame between a stowed position (flush with vehicle roof) and a loading position (extended outward and downward), allowing the rack to adapt its position for both secure transport and easy cargo access.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into separate functional components: an anchor frame attached to the vehicle, a cantilever frame that slides relative to the anchor, and a cargo frame that slides and pivots relative to the cantilever. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component to achieve the desired loading position.
2Ease of operation
If the rack is positioned high on the vehicle for stability during driving, then cargo support is secure, but access to the rack for loading and unloading cargo is blocked in congested areas
Solution Approach 1:
The rack provides dynamic position adjustment, transitioning between a stowed position during driving for stability and a loading position during cargo operations for accessibility. The cargo frame extends outward and downward only when needed, maintaining a compact profile during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack movement involves multiple dimensions: sliding outward horizontally along the cantilever frame, and pivoting downward vertically. This multi-dimensional movement allows the cargo frame to reach accessible positions without compromising the vehicle's vertical profile during driving.
3Productivity
If the rack assembly includes moving components for position adjustment, then cargo loading becomes easier, but the mechanism complexity increases with multiple frames and actuation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assembly utilizes the weight of the cargo frame and cargo itself to assist in the movement. The cargo frame's mass provides natural resistance during extension that helps control the movement speed and positioning, reducing the need for complex motorized actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs controlled movement through cable mechanisms and friction-based sliding interfaces that allow smooth, manageable motion of the cargo frame between positions, making the actuation process simpler and more reliable.
4Ease of operation
If the cargo frame moves vertically downward to improve accessibility, then cargo unloading becomes easier, but the structural complexity of the sliding and pivoting mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement is divided into two independent sequential actions: horizontal sliding of the cargo frame along the cantilever frame, and vertical pivoting of the cargo frame at its end. This segmentation of movement into separate degrees of freedom simplifies the mechanism design compared to attempting direct vertical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo frame achieves vertical downward movement through a two-stage process: first moving horizontally outward, then pivoting vertically at the end of the horizontal travel. This multi-dimensional approach allows vertical cargo access while maintaining a compact stowed profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack assembly includes, among other things, a cargo frame, a cantilever frame, and an actuation system that moves the cargo frame from a stowed position to an intermediate position by sliding the cargo and cantilever frames relative to an anchor frame. The actuation system moves the cargo frame from the intermediate position by sliding the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to permit pivoting of the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to a loading position. A rack accessing method includes, among other things, sliding a cargo frame and a cantilever frame relative to an anchor frame to move the cargo frame from a stowed position to an intermediate position. The method further includes sliding the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to permit pivoting the cargo frame relative to the cantilever frame to move the cargo frame from the intermediate position to a loading position.