Snowmobile Anchor Locking Device with Key Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening mechanisms for accessories on snowmobiles lack security features, allowing unauthorized access and removal of accessories by others.
Innovation Solution
A locking device for anchors that includes a lock body, a pivotable lock lever, and a key post, which secures the anchor lever in a locked position, preventing unauthorized movement and ensuring only authorized users can unlock and remove the accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastening mechanism is provided without security features, then the accessory can be easily attached and removed, but unauthorized persons can operate the mechanism and remove the accessory
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device integrates multiple functional components within a compact nested structure. The lock lever pivots within the lock body, the key post is housed inside the lock body, and the retaining member is positioned within the anchor assembly. This nesting approach provides comprehensive security functionality while maintaining a space-efficient design that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock lever acts as an intermediary component between the key post and the anchor lever. When the key post is rotated to the first position, it moves the lock lever to block the anchor lever's movement. This intermediary mechanism translates the key's rotational motion into a blocking action, providing security without requiring direct complex interaction between all components.
2Reliability
If a locking device with key post is added, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body serves multiple functions: it houses the key post, provides a pivot point for the lock lever, contains the fastener aperture for receiving the fastener portion, and structurally connects all locking components. The anchor lever also serves dual purposes by both fastening the accessory and acting as a movable element that can be blocked by the lock lever. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If the lock lever blocks the anchor lever movement, then the accessory cannot be removed, but the anchor lever movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lock lever and key post are designed with dynamic, movable characteristics rather than fixed rigid structures. The key post can be rotated between different positions, and the lock lever can pivot between blocking and non-blocking positions. This dynamic design allows the system to transition between secured and unsecured states, providing security when needed while maintaining ease of operation when the key is used to unlock.
4Ease of operation
If the key post is made movable, then the lock can be unlocked, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The key post utilizes the rotational motion of the inserted key itself to drive the unlocking mechanism. When the key is rotated, its shaft directly causes the key post to rotate through the same angular displacement. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional gears, linkages, or complex transmission mechanisms, as the key's own motion serves to operate the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for an anchor configured to connect an accessory to a vehicle. An anchor lever is pivotable for opening and closing the anchor. The locking device includes a lock body defining a fastener aperture receiving therethrough an anchor fastener portion that is rotatable by moving the anchor lever between open and closed positions. A lock lever is pivotable relative to the locked body between locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, the lock lever permits free movement of the anchor lever. In the locked position, the lock lever prevents the anchor lever from being moved from the closed position to the open position. A key post is movably connected to the lock body. The key post is movable by a key from an unsecured position to a secured position. The lock lever is fixed in the locked position when the key post is in the secured position.