Load Carrier Column Coupling With Cam Lock Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier systems face challenges in securely retaining columns during use, as they are prone to unintentional separation due to tractive forces and bumps, leading to instability and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a cam-based locking mechanism between the column and the anchoring piece, where cams and openings are arranged symmetrically on opposite side faces, providing a secure and flexible connection that resists separation under various forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a springy button locking mechanism is used for easy separation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because columns can unintentionally separate under tractive forces and bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static springy button to a dynamic cam-based system where the cam can rotate or shift position. This allows the mechanism to respond dynamically to applied forces, maintaining engagement under tractive loads and bumps while still permitting controlled release through deliberate manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by replacing elastic deformation (springy button) with geometric interlocking (cam and opening). This parameter change enables the system to withstand higher forces while maintaining ease of operation through mechanical advantage in the release mechanism.
2Productivity
If columns are made easily removable for volume reduction, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates as columns become prone to unintentional separation
Solution Approach 1:
The cam-based locking mechanism provides dynamic engagement that adapts to operational forces. The cam geometry ensures positive locking during normal use while allowing efficient release when needed, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements (cam, opening, retention surface) that work together to provide both secure engagement and easy release. This segmentation allows independent optimization of locking strength and release ease.
3Device complexity
If a simple lifting mechanism is used for column removal, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to lack of resistance against tractive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism introduces dynamic engagement that automatically responds to applied forces. The cam geometry creates mechanical advantage that resists tractive forces and bumps while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the cam component: it provides locking engagement, resists tractive forces through its geometry, and enables controlled release. This consolidation maintains simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling of units on a substantially rectangular load carrier with four columns arranged in its corners. The system comprises: a unit in the form of a column with a rectangular profile with four side faces; a unit in the form of an anchoring piece (3) with a substantially rectangular cross section with four side faces. The anchoring piece (3) is to be arranged on a corner of the load carrier. The anchoring piece (3) and the column (2) are mutually adapted, so that the column (2) and the anchoring piece (3) can be inserted in a mutually sliding engagement along their longitudinal axes. The anchoring piece (3) and the column comprise side faces with locking parts in the form of at least one cam (4, 5) or an opening (7, 8) complementary thereto, executed in a side face on the column (2) and a side face on the anchoring piece (3), respectively, which opening (7, 8) and cam (4, 5) have mutually adapted locations, so that the opening (7, 8) and cam (4, 5) engage, when the column (2) and the anchoring piece (3) are inserted into each other.