Vehicle Cargo Base Plate Locking With Single-Handle Dual Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo systems lack a convenient and secure method to quickly attach and detach accessories, limiting flexibility in transporting different types of cargo for various tasks.
Innovation Solution
A base plate attachment and locking system with a single handle that simultaneously unlocks both a side and bottom latch mechanism, utilizing a strap assembly to retract latch pins from apertures, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of accessories while ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate handles are used to unlock different latch mechanisms, then each latch can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch mechanisms (side latch and bottom latch) into a single integrated locking system that is controlled by one handle. When the handle is moved to the unlocked position, it simultaneously actuates both the side latch pin and bottom latch pin through a strap assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate handles and simplifying the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handle serves multiple functions by controlling both the side latch and bottom latch mechanisms. The strap assembly acts as a universal actuating mechanism that translates the handle's movement into simultaneous retraction of both latch pins, allowing one component to perform the work of multiple separate controls.
2Ease of operation
If a single handle controls multiple latches, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of secure locking may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch mechanisms (side latch and bottom latch) into a single integrated locking system that is controlled by one handle. When the handle is moved to the unlocked position, it simultaneously actuates both the side latch pin and bottom latch pin through a strap assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate handles and simplifying the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap assembly is designed with sufficient length and proper routing to ensure that when the handle is actuated, both latch pins are reliably retracted from their respective apertures. The mechanism includes appropriate clearances and movement paths that guarantee complete disengagement of both latches simultaneously, preventing partial locking states that could compromise security.
3Reliability
If latch pins are made long to engage deeply with apertures, then the secure holding improves, but the ease of detachment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The latch pins are designed with dynamic actuation capability through the strap assembly mechanism. The pins can maintain a secure engaged position during normal transport, but can be quickly and easily retracted when the handle is actuated. The strap assembly provides the mechanical advantage needed to overcome the engagement depth and detach both latches simultaneously with a single handle movement.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory attachment system includes a base plate configured to be positioned within a vehicle cargo area that has a floor surface and at least one side wall extending upwardly relative to the floor surface. The base plate includes at least a first plate portion that is associated with the at least one side wall and a second plate portion that extends above the floor surface. An accessory comprises at least one accessory side wall including at least one first lock feature associated with the first plate portion, and a bottom wall including at least one second lock feature associated with the second plate portion. The accessory includes at least one handle that is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the at least one handle simultaneously unlocks the first lock feature and the second lock feature when moved to the unlocked position.