Quick-Release Luggage Ring Assembly for Tool-Free Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing luggage ring assembly requires complex and time-consuming assembly processes, including welding, and is inflexible, making it difficult for end users to relocate or add additional luggage rings without professional assistance.

Innovation Solution

A luggage ring assembly with a quick release mechanism, comprising a resilient mounting member, a rotatable ring member, and a lever and cam assembly, allowing easy placement and repositioning without additional fixings or tools, and enabling secure attachment to various points on a body in white.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding and screw assembly are used to attach the luggage ring, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The luggage ring assembly is divided into separate components: a mounting member with aperture, a quick release fastener, and a ring member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple engagement rather than welding, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The quick release fastener acts as an intermediary component between the mounting member and the ring member. It provides a mechanical coupling solution that achieves strong connection without requiring welding operations, thereby reducing assembly complexity and time while maintaining sufficient connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is used to attach the luggage ring, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member is pre-formed with an aperture during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing welding operations. The quick release fastener and ring member are designed to engage with this pre-prepared aperture, allowing rapid assembly without time-consuming welding processes while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical engagement system consisting of the quick release fastener and aperture. This substitution eliminates thermal processes and complex assembly steps, dramatically reducing assembly time while providing sufficient mechanical connection strength for the application

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

3Strength

If the luggage ring is welded to a fixed location, then the connection strength is improved, but the adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrelocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member is designed with a resilient material that allows for dynamic adjustment and relocation. The aperture can be repositioned or new mounting points can be created without permanent welding, enabling the luggage ring to be moved or added at multiple locations while maintaining secure attachment through the quick release mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional back nuts are welded to relocate or add luggage rings, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting member is designed as a universal component that can be installed at multiple locations without requiring location-specific modifications. The same mounting member with aperture design can be used throughout the vehicle body, eliminating the need for different types of back nuts or specialized welding procedures for each mounting location, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining relocation capability

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

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

Facilitates efficient and user-friendly assembly and repositioning of luggage rings, reducing manufacturing time and costs, and allowing secure attachment of luggage to different locations without the need for welding or specialized tools.

Implementation Method 1

said mounting member is made of a resilient material and adapted to mountingly engage with said aperture of said ring member. Use of a resilient material allows the ring member and/or quick release fastener to snap or interference fit with the mounting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4484219A1Luggage ring assembly
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4484219A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484219A1 patent drawingFigure 2~2B
  • EP4484219A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The application relates to a luggage ring assembly (202) comprising a quick release fastener (204), a mounting member (206) and a ring member (208), wherein said quick release fastener (204) is adapted to operably engage with an aperture (302) of said ring member (208) via said mounting member (206).