Accessory Grip Mechanism With Elastomer Jaws for Secure RV Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping mechanisms for recreational vehicles are either ineffective in maintaining a secure hold on accessories or occupy excessive space, failing to balance utility, space efficiency, and stability.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular accessory gripping mechanism comprising a resilient U-shaped endoskeleton embedded within flexible elastomer, featuring jaws with ribs and a sprocket at a bending or pivoting point, allowing for flexible and secure attachment of accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid holding arrangements are used for accessories on recreational vehicles, then holding strength is improved, but space occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strengthVSAvoidspace occupied

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible elastomeric material that forms a thin, conforming shell around the accessory. This elastomeric shell provides the necessary holding strength through its resilient properties while occupying minimal space, directly resolving the contradiction between rigid holding strength and space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping mechanism uses a composite structure combining a resilient U-shaped endoskeleton with an elastomeric material. This composite design integrates the structural support of the endoskeleton with the flexible, space-efficient elastomeric outer layer, achieving both strong holding capability and compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If gripping mechanisms occupy large space on vehicles, then holding stability is improved, but available vehicle space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding stabilityVSAvoidvehicle space

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible elastomeric shell conforms tightly to the accessory and vehicle surface, providing stable holding through friction and conformal contact rather than requiring large mechanical structures. This eliminates the need for bulky mounting mechanisms while maintaining holding stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient endoskeleton and elastomeric material provide dynamic adaptation to vibrations and movements on recreational vehicles. The flexible structure absorbs shocks and adjusts to movement, maintaining stable holding without requiring oversized rigid mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 mechanism provides a balanced and secure hold on accessories while conserving space on the vehicle, offering flexibility and durability through the use of resilient materials and clever design features.

Implementation Method 1

a relatively resilient U-shaped endoskeleton and a relatively flexible elastomer embedding the relatively resilient U-shaped endoskeleton therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250073855A1Vehicular accessory grip

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PROD INC

AI summary

A gripping mechanism may comprise a relatively resilient endoskeleton having at least one opening through its thickness and a relatively flexible elastomer embedding the relatively resilient endoskeleton therein. Additionally, an exemplary gripping mechanism may be configured such that the elastomer has at least one portion that passes through the at least one opening in the U-shaped endoskeleton and at least one portion of the endoskeleton is exposed through the elastomer coating.