Accessory Mount Lever Mechanism for Torque-Free Surface Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for personal watercraft accessories lack versatility in positional and orientational adjustments, often imposing detrimental torques on fastening hardware, leading to unintended loosening or overtightening issues.
Innovation Solution
A mount system with a lever mechanism that allows for easy one-handed adjustment and secure locking of accessories, featuring a track system with a base assembly and accessory assembly that can be independently repositioned and rotated, preventing torque-induced rotation or sliding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If typical prior art fasteners are used to secure the mount and accessory, then the accessory can be mounted, but detrimental torques may be imposed on the fastening hardware causing unintended loosening or overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a base assembly that interfaces with the mounting surface, a track system for positional adjustment, and a lever mechanism for securing. This segmentation isolates the fastening function from the adjustment function, preventing torque transfer between them and eliminating the harmful loosening/overtightening effects
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the fastening hardware. When the lever is actuated, it secures the accessory through a positive locking action that does not involve rotational torque on the fasteners. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the direct coupling between securing actions and torque application to the fastening hardware
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mount allows easy adjustment of accessory position and orientation, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through a track system that allows the accessory to be repositioned along the track length and rotated about the track axis. The lever mechanism provides dynamic locking and unlocking functionality, enabling easy adjustment while maintaining security. This dynamic design achieves high adaptability with relatively simple mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The track system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a guide for positional adjustment, a pivot axis for rotational adjustment, and a structural element for mounting. The lever mechanism universally secures both positional and orientational adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving versatile adjustment capabilities
3Ease of operation
If the mount is designed for easy one-handed operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the securing mechanism may become less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism is designed to be self-securing through a spring-loaded or cam-based positive locking action. When the lever is actuated, it automatically engages with the track or mounting surface to secure the accessory. This self-service mechanism provides robust securing through simple lever motion that can be easily operated with one hand while maintaining strong holding capability
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 secure, adjustable, and removable mounting of accessories without imposing torques on the fastening hardware, preventing unintended loosening or overtightening, ensuring stable and reliable attachment even under adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a lever may be used in progressive positions, first, to lock an accessory in place, second, to enable rotation of the accessory, and third, to release the accessory for removal
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory mount allows accessories to be removably and adjustably mounted to a surface. In an example, the surface may be that of a watercraft, and the accessory may be a fishing rod. The mount may be used with a track fixable to an environmental surface or mounted directed to the environmental surface. When used with a track, a post of the accessory mount releaseably engages the track. Slidable engagement of the post allows lateral or horizontal adjustment of the accessory. An accessory engaging member is adjustable in relation to the post about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, so that angular and azimuthal rotational adjustments of the accessory are enabled. A single lever is used to make angular and rotational adjustments, and to release the accessory engaging member from the post.