Cam-Lock Mounting Bracket for Tool-Free Vehicle Component Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges with securely mounting components that can become loose due to vibrations and extreme conditions, particularly in motorsports, where quick repair or replacement is necessary but often hindered by the need for tools that may not be readily available.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket system that securely attaches vehicle components to a frame or chassis, allowing for quick manual installation and removal without tools, using a flexible part clamp, chassis clamp, and tie-down straps to prevent slippage and facilitate easy access for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners like bolts are used to secure parts, then secure connection is achieved, but tools are required for installation and removal which may not be available in remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bolt-based mechanical fastening system with a cam-based locking mechanism. The cam lock features a cam member that rotates to engage with a locking surface, creating a secure connection through mechanical leverage rather than threaded fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for wrenches or screwdrivers while maintaining strong connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be operated manually by hand without requiring external tools. The operator can directly grasp the cam member and rotate it to lock or unlock the connection, making the system self-sufficient and independent of tool availability in remote locations or during racing events.
2Strength
If traditional fasteners are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but time is lost locating and using tools for quick replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based locking system replaces time-consuming bolt operations with a quick-rotation mechanism. The cam member can be engaged or disengaged with a simple rotational motion, reducing the time required for part replacement from minutes to seconds while maintaining secure mounting during high-vibration racing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam lock mechanism utilizes dynamic motion (rotation) to achieve rapid locking and unlocking. The cam member's rotational movement allows for quick engagement and disengagement of the locking surfaces, enabling fast part replacement without the time-consuming process of threading and tightening bolts.
3Strength
If parts are permanently attached through welding, then secure connection is achieved, but repair and replacement become impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the connection into separable components: a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle, a part clamp holding the component, and a cam lock mechanism for quick engagement/disengagement. This segmentation allows the part to be securely mounted during operation but easily removed for repair or replacement by simply unlocking the cam mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent weld to a dynamic reversible connection. The cam lock mechanism can be quickly engaged to create a secure connection during racing and just as quickly disengaged when repair or replacement is needed, providing both strength and repairability.
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 secure and rapid replacement of components like shock absorber canisters and filters in extreme conditions, reducing downtime and improving performance by allowing manual operation without the need for tools.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible part clamp, chassis clamp, and tie-down straps to prevent slippage
Implementation Method 2
tie-down straps to prevent slippage
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket system includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a chassis clamp, a part clamp, and an arm connecting the chassis clamp to the part clamp. The chassis clamp is configured to clip onto a chassis of a vehicle. The part clamp is configured to secure a part of the vehicle.