Rear Latch Hook Mechanism for Single-Step Vehicle Device Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles lack suitable mechanical and electrical interfaces for securely mounting specialized electronic apparatuses, leading to inefficient and unreliable installation and maintenance of such devices.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus with a base, latch, push buttons, and biasing elements that allow for a single-step secure mounting of objects within a vehicle, utilizing a latch mechanism that engages with receptacles on the object to hold it in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods are used in vehicles, then installation of specialized electronic apparatuses can be performed, but the mounting process is complex and unreliable due to lack of suitable interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: a base structure, a latch mechanism with movable latch member, push buttons for actuation, and biasing elements for automatic engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall mounting process while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing elements automatically engage the latch member with the receptacle when the object is placed on the base, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system performs the mounting action itself through the interaction of spring-loaded biasing elements and gravity-assisted object placement, reducing complexity and improving reliability.
2Strength
If a secure latch mechanism is implemented, then the object can be held firmly in place, but the mechanism becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The latch function is extracted as a separate, dedicated mechanism independent of the base structure. The latch member is a distinct component that can move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing strong holding capability without requiring the entire mounting apparatus to be complex. The push buttons and biasing elements are separate actuation and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring active force to maintain the latched position, the system uses biasing elements that automatically apply force to engage the latch. The default state is latched (secured by spring force), and unlatching requires active intervention through push button actuation. This inverted approach simplifies the holding mechanism while maintaining strong securing capability.
3Ease of operation
If push buttons are added for actuation, then the mounting and unmounting process becomes easier to control, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The push buttons are integrated into the base structure as recessed actuation elements, merging the control interface with the mounting apparatus body. The buttons directly actuate the latch mechanism through the biasing elements, combining actuation and control functions in a unified structure rather than requiring separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The push buttons serve as intermediary elements between the user's manual input and the latch mechanism. When pressed, they transmit force through the biasing elements to actuate the latch member, providing an intermediate control stage that simplifies user interaction while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
4Productivity
If automatic biasing elements are used for engagement, then the mounting process becomes faster and more efficient, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing elements are pre-loaded with spring force before the object is placed on the base. This preliminary energization of the spring mechanism enables automatic engagement to occur immediately when the object is positioned, achieving fast mounting without requiring complex real-time control systems. The action is prepared in advance and executed automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing elements perform the engagement action automatically through their stored elastic energy, without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control electronics. The spring-loaded mechanism self-actuates when the object placement removes the constraint, providing rapid mounting through a simple mechanical self-service system.
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 efficient, secure, and reliable mounting of electronic devices with a single-step process, ensuring proper alignment and preventing accidental release, while allowing easy detachment when needed.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element configured to bias the latch and the frame toward the latched position
Implementation Method 2
one or more second biasing elements associated with respective ones of the one or more push buttons configured to bias the one or more push buttons toward the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting within a vehicle, an object having at least one receptacle in a first main surface. The apparatus comprises a base having a mounting surface. A latch and a frame are movable between latched and unlatched positions and are biased toward the latched position by a first biasing element. One or more push buttons are movable between extended and depressed positions and are biased toward the extended position by a second biasing element. A lower portion of the push button blocks and allows movement of the frame toward the latched position when the push button is in the extended and depressed position, respectively. The first main surface pushes the push button to the depressed position, thereby enabling the first biasing element to move the latch and the frame to the latched position, in which the latch engages with the at least one receptacle.