Locking Mechanism for Load Receptacle Interchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load carrier systems for vehicles lack flexibility in function interchangeability, requiring costly systems to adapt to different purposes, and there is a need for an enhanced fastening structure that allows secure and adaptable mounting of load receptacles on load carriers.

Innovation Solution

A fastening structure comprising a load receptacle with a fastening member that cooperates with an available counterpart on the load carrier, utilizing a toothed strap and a pump buckle mechanism for secure attachment, and an optional locking mechanism for anti-theft protection, allowing the load receptacle to be easily mounted and securely attached to the load carrier.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a load receptacle is mounted on a load carrier using existing fastening structures, then the load receptacle can be securely attached, but the system lacks flexibility for function interchangeability and requires costly specialized systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction interchangeabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load carrier is equipped with a universal fastening counterpart that can accommodate different types of load receptacles through a standardized interface. The counterpart includes a receiving member that can detachably receive various elongate members (toothed straps, webbing, etc.), allowing the same load carrier to securely mount different types of carriers (bike carriers, cargo boxes, etc.) without requiring specialized mounting structures for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a specialized load carrier system is used to achieve function interchangeability, then adaptability is improved, but the system becomes more costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction interchangeabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manufacturing different specialized mounting systems for different carrier types, the invention uses a single universal counterpart structure that can accommodate multiple carrier types through a standardized receiving member interface, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal counterpart acts as an intermediary between the load carrier and various load receptacles. This intermediary component provides a standardized interface that simplifies the mounting process and reduces the need for complex specialized systems, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing fastening structures are used, then the load carrier can be mounted, but anti-theft protection and secure attachment are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity and anti-theft protectionVSAvoidfastening structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening structure uses a dynamic tensioning mechanism where the elongate member can be adjusted and tensioned to securely attach the load receptacle. The receiving member is designed to accommodate this dynamic adjustment while maintaining a secure connection, allowing for reliable attachment without requiring overly complex static fastening structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3222469B1Locking mechanism
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 THULE SWEDEN AB
  • EP3222469B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3222469B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3222469B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a locking mechanism for temporarily preventing a detachability of an elongate member (51) from a receiving member (52). The receiving member is adapted to receive the elongate member by passing a portion of the elongate member through the same. The locking mechanism comprises a stop element (61) non-movably mountable on the elongate member upon completion of passing the elongate member through the receiving member, for blocking a passing of the elongate member through the receiving member in a direction opposite to the insertion direction.