Recessed Channel Accessory Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle accessory mounting systems lack flexibility in placement and reconfiguration, often protruding into the passenger compartment and providing limited rigidity and resistance to movement-related forces.
Innovation Solution
A channel-based accessory attachment system with laterally spaced accessory motion restraints and a spring-biased clasp that inhibits lateral movement and rotation, allowing for repositioning and enhanced stability of accessories within the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are mounted using conventional elongated supports with convex cross-sectional shapes, then accessories can be attached to vehicle interiors, but the attachment structures protrude into the passenger compartment increasing the chance of accessories being jarred by users moving in the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from protruding attachment structures extending into the passenger compartment to a channel-based system where accessories are received within a recessed channel. This dimensional change moves the attachment interface from a protruding configuration to a recessed configuration, eliminating interference with passenger movement while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional elements: the channel element with defined restraints, the accessory body with cooperating elements, and the spring-biased clasp mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the channel provides structural support and positioning, while the clasp provides secure engagement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment structures are designed as continuous smooth rails with clamping mechanisms, then accessories can be mounted, but the system provides limited rigidity and resistance to sliding or twisting when subjected to forces from vehicle movement and user jarring
Solution Approach 1:
The channel element employs asymmetric geometry with a defined channel shape that receives the accessory body. The channel includes an upper wall, rear wall, and shelf that create an asymmetric receptacle, providing inherent structural support and resistance to deformation. This asymmetric configuration offers superior rigidity compared to symmetric continuous rails.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint cooperating elements feature curved surfaces including frustoconical protrusions and spherical engagement surfaces. These curved geometries provide stable point contact and resistance to sliding forces while allowing controlled movement during attachment. The curvature distributes contact forces more effectively than flat surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pre-integrated items such as cupholders and storage bins are built into vehicle consoles and door panels, then these items are permanently fixed, but they offer little flexibility in terms of placement and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system transitions from static pre-integrated items to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The spring-biased clasp mechanism allows accessories to be easily attached and detached, while the channel element with defined restraints provides stable positioning when engaged. This dynamic system combines the stability of fixed items with the flexibility of removable accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel element serves multiple functions: it provides structural mounting support, defines precise positioning through restraints, guides accessory attachment, and secures accessories with the clasp mechanism. This universal channel design can accommodate various accessory types with different restraint configurations, replacing multiple specialized pre-integrated items with a single versatile system.
Data Source
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AI summary
An accessory attachment system includes a channel element (30) arranged to receive one or more repositionable accessories (52). A pivotally mounted spring-based clasp (140) with a hook element (146) engages a lower lip of the channel element. Restraint cooperating elements (111) such as protrusions or recesses of an accessory are configured to cooperate with laterally spaced accessory motion restraints (174) such as recesses or protrusions of the channel element to inhibit lateral movement and rotation of an accessory body. An accessory including laterally spaced restraint cooperating elements and a pivotally mounted spring-biased clasp, as well as an attachment method, are further provided.