Baseplate Locking Mechanism for Flexible Accessory Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle upfit systems face challenges in easily changing or removing accessories due to mechanical, bolt-on physical attachments, which restrict versatility and adaptability for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A baseplate-based accessory attachment system that provides a modular interface with adjustable mounting positions, including a spring-loaded fastener assembly and adjustable feet to accommodate warpage, allowing for quick connect/disconnect capabilities and various mounting orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bolt-on physical attachments are used to secure accessories to the vehicle, then the accessory mounting is secure and stable, but the versatility and adaptability for different applications is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is segmented into multiple mounting positions with separate mounting feet, allowing selective engagement for different accessory configurations. Each mounting foot can be independently positioned and secured, enabling versatile accessory arrangements without requiring a completely different baseplate design for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate design provides multi-functionality by incorporating multiple mounting positions and adjustable mounting feet that can accommodate various accessory types and configurations. A single baseplate can serve multiple purposes across different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mounting plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mounting positions are provided on the baseplate, then the adaptability for different accessory configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is divided into multiple discrete mounting positions, each with its own mounting foot. This segmentation allows each position to be independently configured and adjusted without affecting other positions, simplifying the overall design while providing extensive mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting feet incorporate adjustable elements that can be dynamically repositioned between different mounting positions. This dynamic adjustability allows the baseplate to adapt to various accessory configurations without requiring a fixed complex structure for each possible arrangement.
3Manufacturing precision
If adjustable mounting feet are used to accommodate warpage, then the mounting accuracy and stability are improved, but the ease of operation for quick attach/detach is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting feet are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that automatically compensate for warpage during the attachment process. This preliminary preparation of the mounting interface allows for accurate mounting without requiring manual adjustment operations, maintaining quick attach/detach capability while ensuring mounting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting foot includes self-adjusting features that automatically compensate for warpage conditions during attachment. The design enables the mounting mechanism to self-correct for surface irregularities without requiring additional manual intervention, thus maintaining operational simplicity while achieving accurate mounting.
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
Enables flexible and efficient attachment and detachment of accessories, accommodating different vehicle configurations and applications, while ensuring secure mounting and vibration mitigation.
Implementation Method 1
the head portion and foot portion are coupled together with a spring-loaded fastener assembly such that the foot member can move relative to the head member along an axial direction to provide vertical compensation and to mitigate vibration
Implementation Method 2
one of the head portion and foot portion includes a channel and the other of the head portion and the foot portion includes a protrusion that is received within the channel such that pivotal movement can occur between the head portion and the foot portion to account for the warpage
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachment system includes a baseplate that provides an attachment interface on a support surface. The baseplate is configured to engage with at least one accessory via the attachment interface to secure the accessory to the support surface. The attachment interface provides a plurality of different mounting positions for the at least one accessory. At least one mounting foot is associated with the at least one accessory and is configured to be selectively coupled to the attachment interface to provide a desired one of the plurality of different mounting positions. The at least one mounting foot includes an adjustment feature to account for any warpage of the support surface when the at least one accessory is mounted in the desired one of the plurality of different mounting positions.