ATV Accessory Rail-and-Track Mounting With Secure Quick Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounting devices for all-terrain vehicles do not allow for removable and secure attachment of accessories using tracks and locks, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A pair of tracks attachable to an all-terrain vehicle with movable locks and rails that slidably engage the tracks, enabling removable and secure mounting of accessories through a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing accessory mounting devices are used, then accessories can be mounted to all-terrain vehicles, but the mounting is not secure and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions, allowing it to dynamically transition between securing the accessory firmly to the vehicle and releasing it for removal. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both secure mounting when locked and ease of removal when unlocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: tracks attached to the vehicle, rails attached to the accessory, and locks that connect them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - tracks provide structural attachment points, rails enable sliding engagement, and locks provide secure retention, thereby achieving both reliability and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing accessory mounting devices are used, then accessories can be attached to all-terrain vehicles, but the devices do not allow for removable mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the accessory to be securely mounted when locked and easily removed when unlocked. This dynamic state change provides both removability and mounting security, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock acts as an intermediary element between the rail and track, providing a controllable connection that can be engaged or disengaged. This intermediary mechanism enables removable mounting while maintaining security when engaged, as the lock mediates the connection between the accessory and vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing accessory mounting devices are used, then accessories can be mounted to all-terrain vehicles, but the mounting lacks flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The track and rail design provides universal mounting capability across different accessory types and vehicle locations. The standardized track-rail-lock interface can accommodate various accessories at multiple positions, enhancing flexibility without requiring complex custom mechanisms for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the mounting system into modular components (tracks, rails, locks), the device achieves flexibility through component reconfiguration while keeping individual parts relatively simple. This segmentation allows accessories to be mounted at different positions and orientations without increasing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to enable secure removable mounting, then reliability and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is separated into a distinct, movable lock component rather than being integrated into the track or rail structures. This segmentation isolates the complexity to a single functional element, making the overall system more manageable and easier to manufacture while achieving reliable secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, requiring minimal external components or complex control systems. The movable lock provides its own locking and unlocking functionality through simple mechanical engagement, achieving high reliability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An all-terrain vehicle accessory mounting device includes a pair of tracks that is each attachable to an all-terrain vehicle at a strategic location on the all-terrain vehicle. A pair of locks is each movably attached to a respective one of the pair of tracks. A pair of rails is each attachable to an accessory related to the all-terrain vehicle. Each of the pair of rails slidably engages a respective one of the pair of tracks for removably mounting the accessory to the all-terrain vehicle. A respective one of the pair of locks on a respective one of the pair of tracks releasably engages a respective one of the rails for securing the respective rail in the respective track. The respective rail is removable from the respective track when the respective lock is urged into the unlocking position thereby enabling the accessory to be removed from the all-terrain vehicle.