Vehicle Accessory Mount With Locking Pin Against Vibration Loosening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securely attaching accessories to vehicles, such as snowmobiles and off-road recreation vehicles, often result in loose attachments due to vibration and lack locking features to prevent unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
A secure attachment system featuring a mounting bracket with L-shaped connecting pins and a locking pin mechanism that allows for secure attachment and easy release, utilizing a release actuator and keyed lock for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adjustable fabric straps or elastic cord are used to attach accessories, then the attachment method is simple and easy to implement, but the attachment loosens over time due to vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket with aperture, an L-shaped connecting pin with cantilevered portion, and a locking pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the connecting pin provides initial attachment while the locking pin secures it against vibration and impact forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped connecting pin is designed to be inserted into the aperture first, with its cantilevered portion positioned to engage with the mounting bracket before the locking pin is applied. This preliminary positioning enables the locking pin to then secure the connection, preventing loosening from vibration and impact.
2Device complexity
If traditional attachment methods are used, then the device structure remains simple, but locking features to prevent unauthorized removal are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to be received within the same aperture that receives the L-shaped connecting pin. This nesting arrangement allows the locking pin to pass through the aperture and engage with the cantilevered portion, creating a secure locked position that prevents unauthorized removal while maintaining a compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is made movable between a locked position (where it secures the connecting pin) and an unlocked position (where it allows removal). This dynamic element enables the transition from a simple attachment structure to a secured configuration, providing anti-unauthorized removal capability when needed.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin combines multiple functions into a single element: it acts as both a securing mechanism (by engaging the cantilevered portion) and a release mechanism (when moved to the unlocked position). This merging of functions provides security against unauthorized removal while minimizing the addition of separate components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system includes a connector that is removably securable to a vehicle body or a mounting bracket that is securable to a vehicle body. The connector includes a housing and a connecting pin extending from a surface of the housing. The connecting pin is receivable in the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in a first position, and the connecting pin is moveable to a second position such that a portion of the mounting bracket or vehicle body is located intermediate a portion of the connecting pin and the housing. The connector further includes a locking pin moveable from a locking position to a release position. The locking pin is engaged with the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in the locking position, thereby inhibiting movement of the connecting pin from the second position. The locking pin is disengaged from the mounting bracket or the vehicle body when in the release position, thereby allowing removal of the connecting pin from the vehicle body or the mounting bracket.