Quick-Release Cooler Brackets for Secure Off-Road Cargo Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ratchet straps used to secure storage coolers in off-road recreational and utility vehicles are cumbersome, complex, and inefficient in terms of space usage, failing to provide adequate security and easy access to the cooler's contents during off-roading activities.
Innovation Solution
A quick release bracketing apparatus comprising inner and outer brackets with F-shaped frames and quick release fasteners, designed to securely attach storage coolers to the cargo bed of vehicles, allowing for easy access and optimized cargo space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ratchet strap is used to secure storage coolers, then the cooler can be secured to the cargo bed, but the strap becomes cumbersome, complex, and takes up excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The securing system is divided into separate components: a cargo bed-mounted bracket with mounting plates, and a cooler-mounted bracket with apertures. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex ratchet strap while maintaining secure attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening function is extracted from the strap itself and distributed to dedicated bracket assemblies mounted on both the cargo bed and the cooler. This removes the cumbersome ratchet mechanism from the securing process while preserving the securing function.
2Reliability
If a ratchet strap is used to secure storage coolers, then the cooler can be secured to the cargo bed, but excessive space is taken up when in use
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the securing system into fixed cargo bed brackets and cooler-mounted brackets, the space-consuming ratchet strap is eliminated. The brackets occupy minimal space compared to a deployed ratchet strap system.
3Reliability
If a ratchet strap is used to secure storage coolers, then the cooler can be secured during off-roading, but access to cooler contents requires unstrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the securing function (brackets mounted to cargo bed) from the cooler itself allows the cooler to be accessed independently. Users can open the cooler without disturbing the securing system, enabling convenient access during off-roading activities.
4Reliability
If traditional ratchet straps are used, then securing is achieved, but the system is cumbersome and inefficient for off-road vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented bracket system allows for quick installation and removal of the cooler without the time-consuming process of tightening and loosening a ratchet strap. This significantly improves securing efficiency for off-road vehicle applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release bracketing apparatus for securing a cooler to the cargo bed of a vehicle. The quick release bracketing system includes at least a first an inner bracket and a first an outer bracket securable to the cargo bed of the vehicle utilizing a quick release fastening mechanism. Each of the first inner bracket and the second inner bracket includes a plurality of arms. Each of the plurality of arms is bent to fit into a separate one of a plurality of apertures disposed on a flange of the cooler.