Bayonet Tow Hook Mount for Tool-Free Front Plate Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for attaching a license plate to the front of a vehicle often damage the front fascia, as they require screwing into the valance, leading to unsightly screw holes and potential paint damage.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect vehicle attachment system that utilizes a bayonet lug and bayonet housing combination, allowing for easy and tool-free attachment and removal of license plates, tow hooks, and cameras without damaging the front fascia.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a license plate mounting bracket is attached to the front fascia by screwing into the valance, then the license plate can be securely mounted, but the front fascia is damaged with screw holes and potential paint damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tow hook boss as an intermediary mounting point on the vehicle's sub-frame, which is not visible from the exterior and does not damage the front fascia. The license plate bracket is mounted to this intermediary structure rather than directly to the fascia, eliminating the harmful effect of visible screw holes while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate functional components: the tow hook boss (mounting interface), the license plate bracket (display interface), and the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the mounting function to be separated from the aesthetic surface, enabling secure attachment without damaging the front fascia appearance.
2Reliability
If traditional screw-mounted license plate brackets are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation and removal are time-consuming and require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism featuring a coupling member with a receptacle and a plug member with a protrusion. This substitution eliminates the need for threaded fasteners and tools, enabling tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure attachment through the coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-disconnect coupling mechanism introduces dynamic ease of assembly and disassembly to the previously static screw-mounted system. The coupling member and plug member can be quickly connected and disconnected by hand without tools, transforming the installation process from a time-consuming threaded operation to a rapid coupling action.
3Adaptability or versatility
If license plate brackets are frequently installed and removed, then accessory interchangeability is improved, but the front fascia suffers from repeated damage and paint deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The tow hook boss serves as a permanent intermediary mounting structure that remains attached to the vehicle, while the license plate bracket and other accessories are temporarily attached to it. This allows frequent accessory interchange without repeatedly damaging the front fascia, as all attachment and removal operations occur at the accessory-bracket interface rather than at the fascia interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the permanent mounting structure (tow hook boss on sub-frame) from the temporary accessories (license plate brackets, tow hooks, cameras). This segmentation enables the permanent structure to remain undamaged while accessories are frequently installed and removed, protecting the front fascia from repeated harm.
4Ease of operation
If screw holes are drilled into the front fascia for bracket mounting, then license plate attachment is enabled, but vehicle resale value is reduced and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tow hook boss as an intermediary mounting point that is already integrated into the vehicle's sub-frame structure during manufacturing. This intermediary structure provides attachment capability without requiring post-manufacturing modification of the front fascia, thereby preserving vehicle resale value and avoiding costly repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tow hook boss is pre-installed on the vehicle's sub-frame during the original vehicle manufacturing process, before the vehicle reaches the customer. This preliminary action provides ready-to-use mounting capability that eliminates the need for customers to drill screw holes into the front fascia, thereby preserving the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and resale value from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
The quick connect vehicle attachment as disclosed herein generally includes a bayonet lug having a series of threads that engage a tow hook boss on one end and a locking pin protruding out opposite sides of an interface shoulder on another end for select slide-in reception into a bayonet housing and along a cam slot for locking engagement therewith in a pair of slotted receptacles under a spring-biased preload.