Vehicle Load Carrier Foot With Dual-Position Anti-Theft Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carrier systems for vehicles lack secure and efficient mechanisms for attaching and detaching load carrying portions, particularly on vehicles without roof rails, as they often rely on clamping mechanisms that can be vulnerable to theft and are complex to operate.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier foot with a dual-position locking and fixing mechanism, featuring a lock and a releasable fixing mechanism, such as a hook and latch, that allows secure attachment and easy detachment of the cover portion to the base portion at two spaced positions, preventing unauthorized access and simplifying the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single lock mechanism is used to secure the cover portion, then the structure is simple, but security against unauthorized access is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is divided into two distinct components: a lock at a first position and a fixing mechanism at a second position. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific securing function, enhancing overall security while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through functional specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to security by positioning the lock and fixing mechanism at different locations (first position and second position) on the cover portion. This multi-position arrangement creates layered security that prevents unauthorized access even if one mechanism is compromised.
2Reliability
If the cover portion is fixed at multiple positions, then security is enhanced, but the detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock and fixing mechanism are designed to work together as an integrated securing system. When both mechanisms are engaged, they provide enhanced security. For detachment, both mechanisms can be released simultaneously or in sequence, maintaining ease of operation while preserving security during attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock and fixing mechanism are positioned and configured in advance to facilitate a straightforward detachment process. The preliminary arrangement of these mechanisms allows the user to detach the cover portion efficiently without encountering complex operational steps, despite the enhanced security provided by multiple fixing points.
3Device complexity
If the lock is positioned centrally, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but it may collide with devices positioned behind the cover portion
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is deliberately positioned off-center (at a first position) rather than centrally, creating an asymmetric arrangement. This asymmetric positioning avoids collision with devices that may be positioned behind the cover portion, while the fixing mechanism is placed at a second position to maintain adequate securing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A load carrier foot for attaching a load carrying portion, preferably a profile element, to a vehicle. The load carrier foot includes a base portion, a cover portion, a lock for locking the cover portion to the base portion at a first position, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the cover portion to the base portion at a second position spaced from the first position. The fixing mechanism is releasable by opening the lock.