Load Carrier Foot Thread Lock Mechanism for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier feet often experience loose tensioning screws due to vibrations, which can lead to insecure fixation of the load carrier foot on vehicles, compromising safety and stability.
Innovation Solution
A thread lock mechanism with an engagement device that contacts the outer periphery of the tensioning screw, applying a friction force or predetermined torque to prevent unintentional loosening, featuring a swivel arm and engagement walls that can pivot or be prestressed to secure the screw in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tensioning screw is used to fix the load carrier foot, then the mounting structure can be simplified and ease of operation is improved, but the screw may come loose due to vibrations compromising reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The thread lock mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to the tensioning screw to prevent loosening caused by vibrations. The engagement device is pre-positioned to engage with the engagement portion, creating an opposing force that counteracts the loosening tendency before it occurs during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread lock mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the tensioning screw and the mounting structure. The engagement device with its engagement walls provides a mediating connection that transfers and stabilizes the mechanical load, preventing direct loosening of the screw while maintaining the simplicity of the overall mounting system.
2Reliability
If a thread lock mechanism with engagement walls is added, then reliability is improved by preventing screw loosening, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thread lock mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the engagement device and the engagement walls. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The engagement walls can be integrated into the mounting structure or the engagement device, reducing the need for separate complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement walls provide localized quality enhancement at critical points where the tensioning screw engages with the mounting structure. Rather than complicating the entire device, the engagement walls are strategically positioned to provide precision engagement and prevent loosening only where needed, maintaining simplicity in other areas of the mounting structure.
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
Effectively prevents the tensioning screw from coming loose, ensuring a secure and stable fixation of the load carrier foot on vehicles by applying a counteracting force that requires a specific torque to rotate the screw, thus enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the thread lock mechanism can be constructed to apply a friction force on the tightening means in order to prevent a movement thereof
Implementation Method 2
the engagement device can be formed so as to at least partially comprise a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of the engagement portion... the engagement device is suitable to apply a predetermined force on the engagement portion counteracting a rotational movement of the tensioning screw
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a load carrier foot having a mounting structure (2) for mounting the load carrier foot on a vehicle, a tensioning screw (3) and a thread lock mechanism (5) for preventing the tensioning screw (3) from coming loose. The tensioning screw (3) comprises an engagement portion (31) formed in the outer periphery thereof. The thread lock mechanism (5) comprises an engagement device (51) engageable with the engagement portion (31) of the tensioning screw (3).