Model Vehicle Body Mounting System with Interlocking Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional methods for removing and attaching model vehicle bodies to chassis are time-consuming and prone to clip loss or misplacement, especially in outdoor environments, wasting valuable RC vehicle run time.
Innovation Solution
A body mounting assembly featuring a tongue assembly and latch assembly with negative engagement angles, which securely interlock to prevent accidental disengagement, and a tongue retainer assembly with lead-in ramps for guided assembly, reducing the complexity and risk of clip misplacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting posts and clips are used to secure the model vehicle body, then the body can be attached to the chassis, but the process is time-consuming and clips may be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (mounting posts and multiple clips) into a single integrated latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a latch member with engagement surfaces that interact with the mounting posts, eliminating the need for separate clips. This merging reduces the number of parts that can be lost while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the clipping function from separate clip components and integrates it into the latch assembly. The latch member itself performs both the positioning and securing functions that were previously divided between mounting posts and clips. This extraction simplifies the attachment process and reduces part count.
2Strength
If multiple clips are used to secure the model vehicle body, then the body can be firmly attached, but the complexity of the attachment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple clips into a single latch assembly that provides equivalent or superior attachment strength. The latch member with its engagement surfaces distributes the securing force across multiple mounting posts, achieving firm attachment without requiring multiple separate clip components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly serves multiple functions: it positions the body relative to the chassis, secures the attachment, and provides a release mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces what was previously achieved through multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining attachment strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the body must be removed frequently to activate or charge the RC vehicle, then operational flexibility is improved, but valuable run time is lost to the attachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is pre-configured with engagement surfaces and movement paths that guide the attachment process. The body and chassis are pre-aligned through the tongue assembly and mounting posts, so that when the latch is engaged, the securement action is rapid and requires minimal adjustment. This preliminary configuration reduces the time penalty for frequent body removals.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed to move dynamically between engaged and disengaged states through a simple actuating motion. This dynamic design allows for rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex manipulation, making frequent body removals practical while minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A body mounting assembly, system, and method are provided. The body mounting assembly includes a tongue assembly and a tongue retainer assembly. The body mounting assembly also includes a latch assembly and a latch retainer assembly. The latch assembly is releasably engaged to the latch retainer assembly when a latch engagement surface and a latch retainer engagement surface are interlock together. The latch engagement surface and the latch retainer engagement surface comprise negative engagement angles. A body mount includes one of the latch assembly or the latch retainer assembly and a chassis mount includes the other. The tongue assembly is releasably coupled to the tongue retainer assembly when a tongue member is inserted into a tongue retainer aperture. A second body mount includes one of the tongue assembly or the tongue retainer assembly and a second chassis mount includes the other.