External Clamping Coupling for Load Carrier Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier systems for motor vehicles have limited fixing capabilities, with internal clamping mechanisms that restrict tension direction to the quick-release axle, leading to instability and rattling during driving.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of external clamping means, including a tensioning arm and clamping anchor that can pivot or slide, allowing for transverse tensioning and improved bracing of the plug-in projection within the plug-in receptacle, ensuring a secure and form-fitting hold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal clamping mechanisms are used to secure the plug-in projection, then the coupling can be assembled, but the tension can only act in the direction of the quick-release axle, resulting in limited fixing capability and instability during driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamping lever that acts from the external circumference of the plug-in projection, adding a radial clamping dimension to the existing axial tension direction. This allows the coupling to resist forces from multiple directions simultaneously, transforming the single-directional fixing into multi-dimensional securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is divided into two independent functional components: the internal clamping mechanism for axial retention and the external clamping lever for radial securing. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one direction of force, collectively providing comprehensive multi-directional fixing capability.
2Reliability
If internal clamping elements are pushed out from the radially inside to clamp the plug-in projection, then locking is achieved, but the form fit between plug-in projection and receptacle is impaired by the abutment or clamping part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a clamping lever as an intermediary component that acts from the external circumference rather than from within the plug-in projection. This external clamping approach avoids interference with the internal form-fit geometry while still achieving secure locking through the lever's clamping action on the external surface.
3Ease of operation
If the plug-in projection is braced with the plug-in receptacle using existing mechanisms, then connection is established, but rattling occurs during driving due to insufficient bracing
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping lever provides stabilization in the radial dimension, complementing the axial connection already established by the plug-in mechanism. This multi-dimensional bracing eliminates rattling by securing the joint against forces from all directions, not just along the insertion axis.
Data Source
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AI summary
The coupling has a fixing unit (23k) including a clamping element (72k) movably mounted at a plug retainer (17k) or a plug projection (63k), A clamping part (302) is displaceable between a clamping position and a releasing position by the clamping element. The clamping part is interlocked with a counter bearing (24k). The clamping part and the counter bearing are arranged at the plug retainer or plug projection on the outer side. The fixing unit fixes a fastening arm (51k) and a vehicle holder (13k) at each other.