Vehicle Modular Platform Quick-Release Locking for Fast Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular platforms for vehicles become increasingly difficult to mount and dismantle as more structures are added, due to the accessibility issues with conventional fasteners, leading to longer attachment and detachment times.

Innovation Solution

The modular platform incorporates quick locking devices, such as hooks with U-shaped interiors and spring-loaded pawls, allowing for rapid attachment and detachment by utilizing gravity for locking and a central control system for easy disassembly, with optional hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical actuation for quick lock operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fasteners (screws or secured bolts) are used to attach the modular platform to the vehicle, then the platform can be securely mounted, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and difficult as more structures are added

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidattachment and detachment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical fasteners (screws, secured bolts) with a quick-release fastening system that uses a fastening element with a U-shaped inner section and a locking pawl mechanism. This substitution maintains secure mounting while enabling rapid attachment and detachment without the time-consuming operations of conventional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The quick-release fastening system incorporates a locking pawl that automatically engages with the fastening element when the platform is mounted, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for manual locking operations and enables operators to quickly attach and detach the platform without complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If more structures and attachments are added to the vehicle, then the platform can accommodate more equipment, but the fasteners become increasingly difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment accommodation capacityVSAvoidfastener accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fastening system into multiple independent quick-release fastening elements distributed at different locations on the platform. This segmentation allows the platform to be securely attached at multiple points while keeping each fastening element independently accessible, avoiding the problem of obscured fasteners that occurs with conventional systems as vehicle attachments increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If quick-release fasteners are used to reduce attachment time, then the platform can be mounted quickly, but the locking mechanism must be sufficiently robust to prevent unintentional disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidlocking security
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pawl is designed as a simple, robust mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. While the individual pawl is a simple element, the system achieves reliable locking through the geometric design of the U-shaped inner section and pawl engagement, providing secure mounting without complex or expensive mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables fast and secure mounting and dismantling of the modular platform on vehicles, reducing attachment and detachment times while ensuring secure locking and easy disassembly without requiring vehicle energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

The locking pawl can, for example, be spring-loaded, allowing the spring to protrude the pawl into the interior.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

When stored horizontally, the platform's own gravity moves it into its locking position, i.e., into the quick-release mechanism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

the spring force of the locking pawl is overcome by the platform's gravity as the cylindrical body moves into the interior of the quick-release mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

the spring force of the locking pawl is overcome by the platform's gravity as the cylindrical body moves into the interior of the quick-release mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3693692B1Modular platform
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 RHEINMETALL LANDSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP3693692B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3693692B1 patent drawingFigure 1F
  • EP3693692B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

The present invention relates to a modular platform (1) for receiving vehicle components. These vehicle components can then be attached to or stored on the platform (1). The platform is attached to or onto a vehicle by means of fasteners. It is proposed that at least two of the fasteners be designed as quick-release fasteners (4). All other fasteners can be designed as simple supports. The quick-release fasteners (4) ensure that the modular platform (1) can be mounted and dismounted in the simplest way possible. The quick-release fasteners (4) lock the modular platform (1) onto or onto the vehicle with little or no force.