Base Plate Accessory Locking With Powered Quick Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo systems lack efficient and secure methods for attaching and detaching accessories, particularly in electrified vehicles, and do not provide power connectivity and locking mechanisms for accessories like containers and tools.
Innovation Solution
A base plate system with apertures and mounting feet, combined with a locking mechanism and power connection interface, allows for quick attachment and detachment of accessories, ensuring secure retention and power supply to tools or containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple attachment interface is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment mechanisms into a single integrated system: mounting feet with predefined shapes engage with apertures to provide mechanical attachment, while a separate locking mechanism engages with the same aperture structure to provide security. This merging allows simple operation (one-action attachment) while maintaining reliability (dual mechanical + locking retention).
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment interface is segmented into distinct functional components: mounting feet for initial mechanical engagement, apertures for receiving the feet, and a separate locking mechanism for security. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system that is both easy to operate and reliable.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture structure serves multiple functions: it receives the mounting feet for mechanical attachment and also engages the locking mechanism for security. This multi-functionality allows the locking mechanism to be integrated into the existing aperture structure rather than requiring separate dedicated locking features, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If mounting feet with predefined shapes are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting feet are given predefined shapes with specific geometric parameters (gap sizes, edge portions, downward extensions) that are optimized for engagement with the aperture. By carefully selecting and standardizing these geometric parameters, the feet can be manufactured using conventional processes while achieving reliable retention forces through the defined engagement geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachment system includes a base plate that provides a plate attachment interface and at least one accessory including an accessory attachment interface to connect to the plate attachment interface. In one example, the accessory attachment interface comprises at least one mounting foot that has a predefined shape to pull the at least one accessory against a side wall mounted base plate as the foot is inserted into an aperture in the base plate and moved vertically to a mounted position. In one example, a locking mechanism that is separate from the mounting foot is movable between a locked position where the accessory is prevented from being removed from the base plate and an unlocked position where the at least one accessory is allowed to be removed from the base plate. In one example, there is a power connection interface between the base plate and the accessory, and there is at least one accessory locking mechanism powered via the power connection interface to allow at least one of a handle and a lid to be placed in a locked condition.