Vehicle Rack Anchor With Cam Lock for Stable Accessory Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing accessories to vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are inconvenient due to shifting objects during travel and the lack of adaptable and interchangeable accessory systems, leading to instability and limited customization options.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rack with apertures for anchors that can be locked and unlocked to securely attach various accessories, allowing for versatile transportation and customization of vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are permanently attached to the vehicle, then stability and security are improved, but adaptability and ease of interchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system transitions from static permanent attachment to dynamic removable attachment. The anchor can be inserted into the rack aperture to provide stable attachment when needed, and removed when customization is required, allowing the system to adapt between stability and flexibility states based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: the rack with apertures, the removable anchor, and the accessory. This segmentation allows the anchor to be selectively positioned and attached only when stability is needed, while enabling easy reconfiguration by removing and repositioning individual components for different customization scenarios.
2Reliability
If accessories are permanently attached to the vehicle, then stability is improved, but ease of operation for customization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing the anchor to be easily inserted into and removed from the rack aperture. This simple insertable/removable mechanism provides stable attachment during operation while allowing quick customization by simply removing the anchor and repositioning it or replacing the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the attachment function into distinct modular components (rack, anchor, accessory), the system allows easy customization through simple assembly and disassembly operations. The anchor serves as an intermediate component that can be quickly attached to the rack and then used to secure different accessories as needed.
3Device complexity
If traditional tying methods are used to secure cargo, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to shifting objects
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor acts as an intermediary component between the rack and the accessory, providing a reliable mechanical connection point. Instead of using simple tying methods that allow shifting, the anchor engages with the rack aperture to create a fixed attachment point that prevents object movement while maintaining relative simplicity through the straightforward insert-and-secure mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for use with a rack, an accessory rack, and a system for securing an accessory to a vehicle. The anchor includes an anchor case, the anchor case having a rack connecting part for making contact with the rack and an accessory connecting part for making contact with an accessory; at least one cam rotatably connected to the anchor below the rack connecting part, the at least one cam being rotatable about an axis between a locked position and an unlocked position to selectively secure the anchor and the accessory to the rack; and a lever operatively connected to the at least one cam, the lever being rotatable by a user in order to cause the at least one cam to rotate between the locked position and the unlocked position, the rack connecting part being positioned between the at least one cam and the accessory connecting part along the axis.