Multi-Function Mounting Apparatus for Motor Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle seating systems are cumbersome due to heavy seats with integral safety restraints, making them difficult to remove and reposition, and there is a need for increased versatility in the passenger compartment to accommodate various objects such as tables, storage units, and sports equipment.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle multi-function mounting apparatus featuring a support pedestal with a quick release securing mechanism and a two-part quick release mounting assembly that allows for easy attachment and detachment of different objects, enabling sliding movement and rotational positioning of seats and other items within the passenger compartment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If seats are made heavy with integral safety restraints and substantial floor mounting structures, then safety and structural integrity are improved, but ease of removal and repositioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidease of removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seat system is divided into separate components: the seat assembly and the support pedestal are detachably connected through a quick release mounting assembly. This allows the seat to be separated from its mounting structure, enabling easy removal while maintaining safety when assembled. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by allowing the heavy safety structures to remain when needed but permitting easy separation when removal is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration through the quick release mechanism. The support pedestal and seat can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing the system to adapt between secured and removable states. This dynamic capability enables the seat to be heavy and secure during operation but easily removed when loading long items is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single support pedestal is used for mounting, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to accommodate various objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structureVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support pedestal with quick release mounting assembly is designed as a universal mounting system that can accommodate multiple different objects including passenger seats, tables, storage units, and sports equipment. The standardized interface and quick release mechanism allow a single pedestal to perform multiple functions, resolving the contradiction by providing versatility without requiring separate mounting structures for each object type.

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

3Ease of operation

If quick release mechanisms are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmounting assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The quick release mechanism extracts the complex locking and unlocking functions into a dedicated separate assembly that interfaces between the support pedestal and the mounted object. This specialized quick release mounting assembly handles the complexity of secure attachment and release, while the rest of the system remains simple. The principle resolves the contradiction by concentrating the operational complexity in a manageable, purpose-built component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10611268B2Motor vehicle having a multi-function mounting apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US10611268B2 patent drawing
  • US10611268B2 patent drawing
  • US10611268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A motor vehicle multi-function mounting apparatus is disclosed comprising a support pedestal and a two part quick release mounting assembly for selectively attaching one of a selection of differing objects to an upper end of the support pedestal.