Vehicle Accessory Baseplate Locking for Multi-Orientation Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessory attachment systems are not sufficiently modular or adaptable to securely and efficiently accommodate various types of accessories in different orientations and positions, limiting their usability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A baseplate-based attachment system with apertures and feet that allow accessories to be secured in multiple rotational positions, using a locking assembly with a biasing device to maintain engagement, enabling versatile and secure attachment to a vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed attachment system is used, then the attachment structure is simple, but the adaptability to different accessories and orientations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is designed with multiple apertures arranged in different patterns and orientations, allowing a single attachment system to accommodate various accessory types and mounting orientations. The feet mechanism can engage with apertures in different configurations, enabling universal attachment of diverse accessories to the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separable components: the baseplate with multiple apertures, the feet that can be independently positioned, and the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall adaptability through reconfiguration of the individual parts.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded foot that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The spring provides automatic resetting and maintaining forces, allowing the foot to securely lock when engaged while enabling quick release when force is applied to the release mechanism, balancing reliability with ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded foot automatically maintains engagement pressure and resets itself after each locking cycle. The mechanism uses the spring's stored energy to self-maintain the locked position without continuous external input, and self-resets when the release mechanism is activated, reducing the operational effort required by the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple apertures and feet are used for versatile attachment, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple apertures are integrated into a single baseplate structure, and multiple feet are combined with the locking mechanism as an integrated assembly. This merging reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining the versatility of having multiple mounting positions and orientations available through the aperture array.
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 modular and adaptable means to securely attach various accessories in multiple orientations, enhancing usability and flexibility, while allowing for easy detachment and reconfiguration as needed.
Implementation Method 1
the biasing device biases the locking assembly toward the locked position where the extension is received within the at least one opening
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachment method includes receiving a plurality of feet of an accessory within a plurality of apertures, wherein each foot is moveable within a corresponding aperture in multiple engagement directions, and sliding an accessory relative to a baseplate in a selected one of the multiple engagement directions to transition the accessory from a disengaged position to an engaged position. When in the disengaged position, the plurality of feet are slidable relative to the baseplate within respective apertures in a plurality of directions and can be withdrawn from the plurality of apertures. When in the engaged position, the plurality of feet are blocked from being withdrawn from the plurality of apertures, and the accessory is engaged with the baseplate to secure the accessory relative to a vehicle when the accessory is in the engaged position, the baseplate being secured to the vehicle. A biasing device is used to transition a locking assembly from an unlocked position to a locked position, the locking assembly in the locked position holding the accessory in the engaged position.