ISOFIX Coupling Layout for Flexible Off-Center Container Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fixing child seats or transport containers using ISOFIX adapters are inflexible and require significant space, making them cumbersome and inefficient for various vehicle seat configurations, especially when dealing with sloping surfaces or off-center positioning.

Innovation Solution

A device with rotatably connected fastening elements that can be translated and rotated relative to a coupling device, allowing for flexible positioning and automatic rotation to save space, with a locking mechanism for secure attachment to ISOFIX retaining brackets, enabling easy adaptation to different vehicle seats and inclinations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fastening elements are rigidly connected to the coupling device, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and flexibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening elements are made movable relative to the coupling device through a combination of translational movement (along the first direction) and rotational movement (about a rotational axis). This dynamic configuration allows the fastening elements to adapt to different positions and orientations while maintaining structural stability when connected, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fastening elements are positioned for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but storage space efficiency is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening elements can be moved between a retracted position (for compact storage) and an extended position (for easy access during operation). The movable connection allows users to extend the fastening elements when needed and retract them when not in use, optimizing both accessibility and storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fastening positions are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple discrete fastening positions through separate mechanisms, the invention uses a continuous movable connection that allows the fastening elements to be positioned anywhere along the rotational axis and rotational path. This single dynamic mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple complex positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If fastening elements are made movable, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but structural stability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connection is designed to provide both movement capability and structural stability when connected. The fastening elements can move relative to the coupling device during positioning, but once connected to the retaining brackets, they form a stable structure that can bear loads and maintain the position of the object being secured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3756943B1Device for fixing an object
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 TRUPE ENG GMBH
  • EP3756943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3756943B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3756943B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for fixing an object, in particular a transport container, in a vehicle, comprising a coupling device (2) with which the object can be rigidly connected, and two fastening elements, preferably ISOFIX adapters (3), with which the coupling device (2) can be connected to the vehicle. To achieve particularly high flexibility in application, the invention provides that the fastening elements are connected to an actuating device (4) and are movable together with the actuating device (4) in a first direction (5) translationally relative to the coupling device (2).