Accessory Mount Lever Lock for Stable Track Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounts for personal watercraft accessories suffer from issues such as unintended rotation, sliding, and over-tightening, which can lead to accidental reorientation or difficulty in removal, especially under adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mount system with a lever mechanism that allows for secure, one-handed adjustment of accessory position and orientation, using a base assembly and accessory assembly that are releasably connected via a track, with interlocking teeth and a lever system to prevent unwanted rotation and sliding, and a lever safety release to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If typical prior art fasteners are used to secure the mount and accessory, then the accessory is firmly attached, but the mount may inadvertently rotate or slide along the mounting track, and fasteners may become overtightened or loosened
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fastening system to a dynamic one where the lever can be moved between positions (engaged and disengaged) to change the state of the accessory mounting, allowing for easy adjustment while maintaining security when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the accessory mounting system. By manipulating the lever, the user can control the engagement state without directly applying torque to the fasteners or mounting track, thus preventing inadvertent rotation or sliding
2Adaptability or versatility
If the accessory position and orientation are adjusted frequently, then the accessory can be optimized for different uses, but the adjustment mechanism becomes complex and may impose torques on the mount
Solution Approach 1:
The lever serves multiple functions: it can be used to engage the accessory, disengage it, and potentially adjust its position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into distinct components (lever, mounting track, accessory interface) that can independently perform their functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific role, reducing overall complexity while enabling versatile adjustment
3Reliability
If the accessory is securely locked in place, then the accessory remains stable during use, but the accessory cannot be easily repositioned or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism enables periodic transitions between the locked and unlocked states. Each movement of the lever represents a discrete action that toggles the accessory between stable and repositionable conditions, making the system easy to operate while maintaining reliability during use
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 releasably 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.