Vehicle Rail Accessory Cam Lock for Secure Multi-Use Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle accessories lack versatility and secure attachment mechanisms for rails, limiting customization and usability.
Innovation Solution
An accessory with a fixture and clamp portion that can be locked and unlocked by rotation, featuring a cam mechanism to ensure secure attachment to vehicle rails, allowing for various functionalities such as tie-downs and handholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing accessories are used for vehicle rails, then basic attachment functionality is provided, but versatility and secure attachment are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory is designed with a universal interface that can attach to different rail configurations (slots on various sides of the rail) and support multiple functions (tie-downs, handholds, cargo management). The clamp portion with its ability to engage slots on multiple faces of the rail provides multi-functionality without requiring multiple different accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is divided into distinct functional segments: a clamp portion for attachment to the rail, a fixture portion for the specific function (tie-down, handhold), and a cam mechanism for locking. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and enables versatility by swapping fixture portions while keeping the clamp portion.
2Reliability
If existing accessories are used for vehicle rails, then basic attachment is possible, but secure attachment mechanism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism provides dynamic locking where rotation of the cam transforms the accessory from an insertable state to a locked state. The cam's geometry creates increasing clamping force as it rotates, automatically securing the accessory to the rail without requiring separate fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is self-securing: as the user inserts and rotates the accessory, the cam automatically engages with the rail surface and tightens the clamp portion, providing secure attachment without requiring the user to perform additional fastening steps or apply specific tightening forces.
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
Enhances vehicle usability and customization by providing secure, versatile attachment points for gear and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the clamp portion includes a cam, and the cam is configured to rotate with the fixture
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an accessory configured to interface with a rail, such as a bedside rail, of a motor vehicle. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an assembly, including: a rail including a slot, wherein the slot leads to a cavity; and an accessory including a fixture portion and a clamp portion, wherein the accessory is configurable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the unlocked position, the clamp portion of the accessory is insertable into and removable from the cavity via the slot, and wherein, when the clamp portion is within the cavity and the accessory is in the locked position, the clamp portion is not removable from the cavity via the slot.