Roof Rack
Fall 2021
Create a J-cradle kayak roof rack to make lifting kayaks on top of a car easier for shorter, not as strong or injured users, while being secure, safe and easy to remove.
Current roof rack designs can be difficult to reach and hard to use
Awkward picking up the kayak
Difficult to lift over head
Kayak slams onto the roof rack
Ideation
After understanding the problems with current roof racks, I started sketching new kayak racks that would solve these problems. I highlighted the most promising ideas which explored further.
CAD Models
To further understand which of my ideas would work and how they would move I created CAD models to demonstrate their motion. From there I was able to make physical models.
Prototypes
The dimensions of my first model were not quite right, causing it to open further than intended.
I was able to reduce the height of my second model and get the dimensions correct so it sits flat while closed and opens the right amount.
Final Design
The final design allows the user to lower the rack to a more manageable height to lift the kayak on. Once strapped down the rack is flipped back up and pinned in place on top of the car.
