Vehicle Accessory Mount With Winged Retainer for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessory mounting systems lack a secure and versatile mechanism to retain accessories like smartphones and audio/visual devices, often resulting in instability and ease of dislodgment during vehicle movement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle accessory mounting track system featuring a support structure with recessed portions and protruding members, combined with a retainer having a threaded barrel portion and flexible wings for secure engagement within the support structure, allowing for flexible installation and retention of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mounting structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but retention stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into distinct functional segments: the retainer component with wings for lateral engagement, the barrel portion for vertical insertion, and the support structure with receiver and ribs. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is nested within the receiver, with the barrel portion inserted into the receiver space and the wings engaging with the ribs. This nested arrangement provides secure retention without requiring complex external mounting mechanisms
2Reliability
If a secure retention mechanism is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are designed with flexible properties, allowing them to dynamically adapt during installation. The flexibility enables the wings to compress during insertion and then expand to engage the ribs, providing secure retention without requiring complex fastening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is self-retaining through the wing-rib engagement mechanism. Once the retainer is inserted into the receiver, the wings automatically engage with the ribs to provide secure retention without requiring additional fasteners or complex installation steps
3Reliability
If a fixed mounting position is used, then retention stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with multiple ribs arranged in different orientations and positions, allowing the same receiver to accommodate retainers at various positions and orientations. This universal design enables a single mounting structure to serve multiple accessory installation needs
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 stable retention and secure mounting of accessories, preventing unintentional rotation or dislodgment, while allowing for flexible positioning and easy installation, enhancing user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one wing is configured to flex to allow for insertion of the barrel portion into the receiver
Implementation Method 2
The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.