Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Snap Latch Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand fire extinguishers in vehicles face difficulties in secure and easy attachment, particularly in hard-to-reach places, due to issues with holding straps being either too tight or too loose, leading to instability and potential rattling during installation.
Innovation Solution
A hand fire extinguisher design featuring a positive snap latch mechanism with a movably guided gripping element and recess, allowing for one-handed attachment and removal without manual operation, utilizing a spreading device to passively engage the snap latch and a swivel joint connection for secure positioning, eliminating the need for a separate retaining wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retaining strap with buckle is used to secure the fire extinguisher, then the fire extinguisher can be mounted on a mounting wall, but the strap is either too tight or too loose making it difficult to attach and release
Solution Approach 1:
The snap latch mechanism automatically engages when the fire extinguisher is inserted into the mounting bracket, securing itself without manual intervention. The gripping element and recess interlock automatically, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations while ensuring reliable mounting security.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual buckle system is replaced with an automatic snap latch mechanism that uses spring force and positive engagement geometry to achieve secure mounting. This mechanical substitution eliminates the complexity of manual fastening while improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fire extinguisher is mounted in hard-to-reach places like footwells or under seats, then it is unobtrusive and safe, but difficult to attach and remove with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The self-latching snap latch mechanism allows the fire extinguisher to secure itself automatically when placed in the mounting bracket, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. This enables easy one-handed installation and removal even in hard-to-reach locations such as footwells or under seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the fire extinguisher with its mounting points, the mounting bracket with guide devices and snap latch, and the spreading device. This segmentation allows the extinguisher to be easily attached and removed as a single unit while maintaining secure mounting when installed.
3Ease of manufacture
If a retaining strap is used to secure the fire extinguisher, then it can be mounted, but it may rattle or be released from locked position when too loose
Solution Approach 1:
The snap latch mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components including a spring-loaded gripping element and a recess with positive engagement. This replaces the complex adjustable retaining strap system with a simple, reliable mechanism that ensures stable mounting without rattling or accidental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force in the snap latch mechanism provides continuous pressure to maintain engagement between the gripping element and recess, preventing rattling and ensuring stable mounting. The positive engagement geometry prevents accidental release, providing beforehand cushioning against mounting instability.
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 easy, secure, and stable attachment and removal of the hand fire extinguisher in vehicle compartments, ensuring it remains in place without rattling and can be easily accessed during emergencies, even in hard-to-reach locations, using a combination of snap latches and swivel joint connections for secure positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping element is held permanently in its gripping position by spring force
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The hand-held fire extinguisher, with a cylindrical container for the extinguishing agent and a valve head, features a releasable retaining device for securing the extinguisher in its mounting position on a mounting surface inside a vehicle. This device consists of a positive-locking snap-lock mechanism comprising a movable gripping element and a recess. The gripping element is held permanently in the gripping position by spring force. The extinguisher is secured in its mounting position solely by this mechanism during installation. To remove the extinguisher from its gripping position, the gripping element is released against the spring force by an ejection mechanism and then re-engaged once the extinguisher has reached its mounting position or has been removed.