Vehicle Battery Clamp Assembly Using a Locking Lug Nut Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp assemblies for vehicle batteries are prone to unintended movement or displacement, and their tightening or loosening processes are often complicated and accessible to unauthorized users.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly that interfaces with a locking lug nut key, featuring a bolt with a unique patterned cavity and a locking lug nut key projection, allowing secure battery retention and simplified tightening/loosening using a single key compatible with vehicle wheels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clamp assembly with a standard bolt is used, then the battery can be easily secured, but the battery lacks protection against unintended movement or displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lug nut key is designed to serve dual functions: it can unlock wheel lug nuts and operate the battery clamp assembly. The key includes a head portion that interfaces with the clamp assembly's receptacle, allowing the same tool to secure both wheels and battery, thereby improving reliability without adding operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly features an asymmetric design where the receptacle accepts the specific geometry of the locking lug nut key. This asymmetric interface ensures that only the authorized key can operate the clamp, providing security against unintended movement while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users
2Reliability
If a separate key system is used for the battery clamp, then battery security is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple keys
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lug nut key performs multiple functions by serving both as a wheel lug nut key and a battery clamp operator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate keys, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced battery security through the same key mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of operating wheel lug nuts and battery clamps into a single key system. The locking lug nut key's head portion is specifically designed to interface with the clamp assembly's receptacle, combining two previously separate functions into one unified system
3Ease of operation
If a standard socket is used for the clamp assembly, then ease of operation is maintained, but security against unauthorized access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly's receptacle features an asymmetric geometry that does not match standard sockets. The receptacle is designed to accept only the specific head portion of the locking lug nut key, providing security against unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for users with the correct key
Solution Approach 2:
The interface between the clamp assembly and the key exhibits local quality through its specialized geometry. The receptacle's internal features are specifically shaped to mate with the key's head portion, creating a localized secure interface that differs from the general standard socket interface used elsewhere in the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly configured to hold a battery in place is configured to interface with a locking lug nut key. The clamp assembly provides a balance between preventing unintended movement or displacement of the battery, without overly complicating the process of tightening or loosening the clamp assembly. Further, a number of component parts is reduced, as separate keys are not required for the locking lug nuts and the clamp assembly.