Quick-Release Panel Instrument Mounting System with Cam Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for mounting panel instruments, such as video monitors, on vehicle passenger seats require removing upholstery to access screws, making installation and removal time-consuming and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A quick-attach, quick-release mounting system that allows panel instruments to be easily installed and removed by accessing the locking mechanism from the front, using a combination of mounting apparatuses with sliding bars and a cam mechanism that automatically locks and unlocks without tools, and includes a tool interface for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to mount panel instruments through the mounting surface to the back surface, then secure attachment is achieved, but upholstery must be removed to access screws making installation and removal time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the fastening function into two separate components: a mounting apparatus with mounting pins attached to the panel instrument back surface, and a mating mounting apparatus with slide bars attached to the mounting surface. This segmentation allows the fastening mechanism to be accessed from the front without removing upholstery, while still achieving secure attachment through the interlocking pins and slide bars.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of accessing fasteners from the back through removed upholstery, the invention inverts the access path by providing quick-release access from the front of the panel instrument. The actuator is positioned on the front surface, allowing users to release the mounting pins from the front, thereby eliminating the need to remove upholstery for access.
2Reliability
If traditional screw mounting is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires tool usage and manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting pins are designed with self-aligning features that guide them into the mounting holes automatically during installation. The slide bars with spring-loaded locking mechanisms self-lock when the pins are inserted, eliminating the need for manual manipulation or tool usage to achieve secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional screw-threaded mechanical fastening system with a simpler pin-and-slide bar mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for screwdrivers or other tools, allowing installation and removal to be performed by simple pushing and actuating motions.
3Ease of operation
If quick-release access is provided from the front, then installation and removal become convenient, but security against theft and tampering may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the locking system. It provides controlled access to the release function through a tool interface that requires a specialized tool, preventing unauthorized tampering while still allowing legitimate users to quickly release the mounting pins when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool interface is positioned at a specific location on the actuator, providing localized controlled access. This allows the majority of the actuator and mounting mechanism to remain simple and easy to operate, while the critical security function is concentrated at the tool interface location where restricted access is required.
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 secure mounting and removal of panel instruments without tools, preventing theft and tampering, while maintaining secure attachment to the mounting surface.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting pin moves the slide bar from the locked position to the unlocked position as the mounting pin is inserted into the mounting hole
Implementation Method 2
a spring biased against the slide bar to move the slide bar from the unlocked position to the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release mounting apparatus for mounting a panel instrument to a mounting surface or support. The mounting apparatus comprises a frame to be mounted to the mounting support. A slide bar is slidably mounted to the frame and is slidable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slide bar has a mounting hole configured to receive a mounting pin projecting from the back surface of the panel instrument. The mounting hole locks the mounting pin within the mounting hole in the locked position and allows the mounting pin to be removed from the mounting hole in the unlocked position. A cam is rotatably mounted to the frame and couples the slide bar to an actuator configured to rotate the cam between a locking position and an unlocking position. The actuator has a biasing device which biases the cam toward the locking position.