Accessory Anchor Lock for Stable Small-Item Vehicle Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for securing accessories to vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are inadequate for smaller items like walkie-talkies, lacking ease of implementation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an anchor fixture with an anchor aperture and an anchor lock that can be rotated between unlocked and locked positions, secured by a protrusion fitting into a recessed portion, ensuring the accessory is firmly attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ropes, cords, or tie-downs are used to secure accessories, then larger cargo items can be secured, but smaller accessories lack stability and ease of attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attachment mechanism into separate components: an anchor fixture with an anchor aperture and an anchor lock with a protrusion. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide both ease of attachment (by simply inserting the anchor lock) and reliability (through the positive engagement of protrusion and recessed portion), resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and stability for smaller accessories.
2Reliability
If anchor systems are designed for large cargo, then securing capability is sufficient, but the system becomes too complex for smaller accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential securing function from complex traditional anchor systems, retaining only the critical elements: an anchor aperture with a recessed portion and an anchor lock with a protrusion. This simplified extraction maintains reliable securing capability while dramatically reducing system complexity for smaller accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor fixture and anchor lock design serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment through positive engagement, allows easy removal by reversing the insertion motion, and can be universally applied to various smaller accessories. This multi-functionality maintains reliability while minimizing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a simple insertion mechanism is used, then ease of attachment is achieved, but stability under vibration is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor lock features an asymmetric design with a protrusion that engages with a recessed portion in the anchor aperture. This asymmetric geometry provides easy insertion in one direction while creating positive mechanical engagement that resists vibration and prevents accidental dislodgement, resolving the contradiction between ease of attachment and vibration resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting an accessory to an item, the system including an anchor fixture including a fixture body and the anchor aperture having at least one recessed portion along an edge thereof; and an anchor with an anchor lock being configured to be inserted through the anchor aperture of the anchor fixture, the anchor lock having at least one protrusion extending therefrom, the at least one protrusion of the anchor lock being received in the at least one recessed portion of the anchor aperture; and the anchor being selectively secured to the anchor fixture by inserting the anchor lock through the anchor aperture and moving the anchor lock relative to the anchor fixture to place the anchor lock in the locked position, the anchor lock impeding movement within the anchor fixture of the anchor.