Lockable Clamping Tabs to Prevent Fuel Container Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel containers mounted to vehicles are vulnerable to theft due to their easy removal from mounting devices, which are secured by wing nuts that can be turned counterclockwise, making them attractive targets for thieves as gasoline prices rise.
Innovation Solution
A lockable clamping device comprising first and second tabs with hook protrusions and locking holes, used in conjunction with a padlock, restricts the rotational movement of wing nuts, thereby securing fuel containers and other objects to a mounting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wing nut is used to secure the fuel container, then the container can be easily removed by turning the wing nut counterclockwise, but this ease of removal makes the container vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is divided into multiple segments: a first tab, a second tab, and a lock tab. These segments work together to create a multi-component locking system that combines ease of operation with enhanced security. The first and second tabs form the clamping structure while the lock tab provides the security enhancement through alignment holes for padlock integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second tabs and provides mounting points for a padlock. This intermediary component enables the transformation of a simple wing-nut clamping system into a secure locked system without fundamentally redesigning the entire clamping mechanism.
2Reliability
If a padlock is added to the clamping device, then security against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock tab is merged with the existing first and second tabs of the clamping device, forming an integrated multi-tab structure. This merging approach allows the security enhancement to be added while maintaining a unified, cohesive device design rather than creating separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab serves multiple functions: it connects the first and second tabs structurally, provides alignment holes for padlock integration, and maintains the overall clamping geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the lock tab with alignment holes is added, then the padlock can be assembled to interlock the tabs, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device is segmented into distinct tabs (first tab, second tab, lock tab) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each tab to be optimized for its specific manufacturing process and simplifies quality control, as defects can be isolated to individual tabs rather than requiring complete device rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock tab serves as an intermediary that facilitates the connection between the first and second tabs while providing the necessary alignment holes for padlock integration. This intermediary approach allows the security feature to be added through a relatively simple additional component rather than requiring complex modifications to the existing tab structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A lockable clamping device for securing an object on a mounting surface is disclosed herein. The lockable clamping device comprises a first tab configured to extend over the object at one side. A second tab is engageable with the first tab and configured to extend over the object at another side. A lock tab facilitates assembly of a locking device to interlock the first and second tabs, thereby securing the object on the mounting surface.