Modular Tube Mount with L-Track for Non-Invasive Accessory Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for tubular vehicle features are invasive, destructive, and limited in versatility, as they require drilling or welding, and often restrict easy attachment and removal of accessories, posing safety hazards and limiting adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A modular, non-invasive tube mount system with interchangeable parts that can be easily installed and removed without drilling or welding, adaptable to various tubular shapes and sizes, featuring an L-track tie-down rail and securing members for secure attachment and quick release, allowing for multiple configurations and applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If drilling holes or welding brackets is used to mount accessories on tubular structures, then secure attachment is achieved, but the integrity and structure of the tubular frame is disrupted and permanent damage is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddamage to tubular frame
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component that attaches to the tubular structure without drilling or welding. The bracket uses a clamp-like mechanism with securing bolts that apply friction-based clamping force to hold the bracket on the tubular frame, thereby mounting accessories without directly damaging the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: the mounting bracket, securing bolts, and the accessory to be mounted. This segmentation allows the bracket to be independently attached to the tubular structure using non-invasive clamping, while accessories can be easily attached or removed from the bracket without affecting the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent mounting brackets are welded to tubular structures, then durable attachment is achieved, but removability and adaptability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting durabilityVSAvoidremovability and reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket employs a dynamic clamping mechanism where securing bolts can be tightened or loosened to attach or remove the bracket from the tubular structure. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the mounting to be both secure during use and easily removable when needed, providing adaptability without sacrificing durability during the mounted state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for the easy removal and recovery of both the mounting bracket and the mounted accessories. The bracket can be detached from the tubular structure and reused in different locations or applications, and accessories can be quickly removed from the bracket without leaving permanent damage, enabling resource recovery and reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Device complexity

If single-use mounting devices are used on tubular structures, then simple design is achieved, but versatility and adaptability to multiple accessories are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting device simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with multiple accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate various types of accessories. The bracket features a flat mounting surface with multiple hole patterns and attachment points, allowing different accessories (lights, horns, recovery gear, etc.) to be mounted on the same bracket or on multiple brackets attached to the tubular structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket provides multiple mounting dimensions and orientations. It features holes arranged in different patterns (single hole, multiple holes, various orientations) that allow accessories to be mounted in different positions and angles, expanding the versatility of a single bracket design without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3612414B1Tube mounts for use on tubular features of vehicles to mount a variety of vehicle accessories
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 BURTON THOMAS
  • EP3612414B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3612414B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3612414B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

A mount is disclosed for attaching a fixture to a tubular structure. The mount includes an extended mounting member having an inner surface shaped to conform to the tubular structure, and a flat outer surface having a plurality of attachment locations for facilitating attachment of the fixture to the extended mounting member. The mount also includes a plurality of securing members having an inner surface shaped to conform to the tubular structure, each securing member removably attachable to the extended mounting member so as to removably secure the extended mounting member to the tubular structure. The flat outer surface of the extended mounting member includes a plurality of mounting holes to accept bolts to attach the fixture thereto, or the flat outer surface can have an L-track tie-down rail formed therein to secure easily removable L-track fasteners attached to the fixture to attach the fixture to the extended mounting member.