Toolless Quick Release Device for Cargo Handling Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo handling system equipment in vehicles is difficult to install and remove quickly and requires tools, lacking a visible indication of safe locking to floor fittings and seat tracks.
Innovation Solution
A toolless quick release device with a stud, inner retainer, and outer retainer that provides a visible locking indication, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of cargo equipment to slotted tracks without tools, using a ball and spring mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If existing cargo handling system equipment is used, then the equipment can be installed and removed, but it requires tools and takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release device is divided into separate components: a stud with locking head portion, an inner retainer with recesses, and an outer retainer with a ball mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid tool-free installation and removal while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a self-locking mechanism where the ball is biased radially inward by a spring to automatically engage with the recesses on the inner retainer when the stud is inserted into the slotted track. This self-service feature eliminates the need for tools during installation and ensures automatic securing
2Reliability
If existing cargo handling system equipment is used, then the equipment can be secured to floor fittings, but there is no visible indication of safe locking
Solution Approach 1:
The outer retainer includes a visual indicator that changes position or visibility based on the locking status. When the ball engages with the recesses, the indicator provides a visible signal (such as a colored surface becoming visible or a marker aligning) to confirm secure locking to the floor fitting or seat track
3Productivity
If existing cargo handling system equipment is used, then the equipment can be attached to seat tracks, but it requires tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stud with locking head portion, inner retainer, and outer retainer are combined into a single integrated quick release device assembly that functions as one unit. This merging allows the entire locking and unlocking mechanism to be operated with a single motion, improving installation speed while managing complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a rotatable inner retainer that can transition between locked and unlocked positions. The dynamic rotation allows the locking head portion to engage or disengage from the slotted track quickly, enabling rapid repositioning and reconfiguration of cargo handling equipment
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 rapid and tool-free installation and removal of cargo handling system equipment, ensuring secure locking and easy repositioning with a visible indication of the locking status, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball that is biased radially inward toward the center hole
Data Source
AI summary
A toolless quick release device for attaching cargo handling system equipment to floor fittings is provided. The quick release device includes a stud, outer retainer, and inner retainer. The stud includes a locking head portion configured to be received in a slotted track. The neck portion of the stud and a center portion of the inner retainer are disposed within a center hole of the outer retainer. The hole of the outer retainer includes a blind hole that receives a ball. The ball may engage one or more recesses in the inner retainer and rotatably fixes the outer portion with respect to the inner portion of the stud. The outer portion further includes an arcuate track that receives a tab from the inner retainer, with the arc length of the track defining the possible relative rotation of the inner retainer and stud with respect to the outer retainer.