Rotatable Vehicle Rail Clamp Mount for Interference-Free Accessory Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle rail clamp systems face difficulties due to interference with cargo bed walls, requiring notches in rails, complex mounting procedures, and the need to remove accessories to reposition others, which increases production costs and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle rail clamp mount system with rotatable mount portions that allow for easy attachment at any rail location, eliminating the need for notches and inner track guides, enabling accessories to be mounted without interference and allowing for easy exchange without disassembling existing accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If notches are cut in the rail ends to permit complete engagement, then accessory mounting is enabled, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is pre-configured with a release mechanism that allows it to be installed on the rail before the rail is fully positioned in the cargo bed. The release mechanism enables the clamp to open wide enough to clear the cargo bed wall during installation, then lock into place once the rail is properly positioned, eliminating the need for notches in the rail ends.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a first accessory is mounted on the rail, then the rail provides utility, but adding a second accessory further along the rail requires removing the first accessory
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the clamp to be quickly opened and repositioned along the rail. The release mechanism enables the clamp to slide freely along the rail when opened, allowing users to move accessories to different positions without permanent fixation, and the clamp maintains secure engagement at any position along the rail.
3Ease of operation
If an inner track with a guide is used in the accessory mounting, then friction between the mounting and rail is reduced, but the available tolerance for engaging the rail decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the inner track guide component entirely from the clamp assembly. Instead of using a guided inner track system, the clamp uses a direct engagement mechanism with the rail where the clamp's engagement surfaces mate directly with the rail's outer surfaces. This elimination of the inner track eliminates the tolerance reduction problem while still allowing smooth engagement through proper surface design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle rail clamp mount can include a first mount portion that can be engaged with a vehicle rail at any position along the rail. The first mount portion can be positioned to overlie a vehicle rail in transverse to an axis of the rail, then rotated to a position parallel to the rail such that the first mount portion engages the rail. An interlock portion such as a tab on the first mount portion, or a second mount portion can also engage the rail or the first mount portion to prevent the first mount portion from rotating with respect to the rail. The clamp mount device can have a pin or another positioning member to maintain the position of the clamp along the rail. Various accessory mounts can be positioned on the clamp mount.