Spare Wheel Fixing With Resilient Arm for Push-and-Turn Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixings for securing a spare wheel require multiple components, increasing manufacturing costs and complicating the installation and removal process.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with a connector and resilient articulated arm that uses a push-and-turn action to secure the spare wheel, eliminating the need for separate biasing members and simplifying the assembly process by integrating the articulated arm into the fixing structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fixings use multiple components (welded nut, metallic screw, plastic holder, or metal bracket), then the fixing can secure the spare wheel, but the manufacturing cost increases and the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (fixing body, biasing member, and locking mechanism) into a single integrated fixing assembly. The connector integrates the fixing body with the resilient articulated arm and lug, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple discrete parts while maintaining the securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing assembly performs multiple functions through its integrated design: the connector provides structural support, the resilient articulated arm provides biasing force, and the lug provides locking engagement. This multi-functional integration reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional fixings use multiple separate components, then the fixing can provide adequate tension, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing body, biasing member, and locking mechanism are merged into a single integrated connector assembly, eliminating multiple assembly steps while maintaining the tension maintenance function through the resilient articulated arm's continuous biasing force.
3Ease of operation
If the fixing uses a resilient articulated arm with articulation, then it can easily slide across the structure surface during rotation, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient articulated arm incorporates dynamic elements (articulations) that allow controlled movement and flexibility during the push-and-turn installation process, enabling the fixing to slide easily across the structure surface while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient material properties.
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
The solution reduces component complexity, lowers manufacturing costs, and enhances ease of use by providing a secure and vibration-resistant connection between the fixing and the vehicle structure without requiring additional assembly steps or separate biasing components.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess
Implementation Method 2
the resilient articulated arms may advantageously prevent the lug moving out of the recess due to movements and vibrations generated by the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing is provided for securing a spare wheel to a structure, for example a part of a vehicle, the fixing including a connector having a lug arranged such that rotation of the fixing relative to the structure moves the lug into a recess of the structure to secure the fixing to the structure; and wherein the connector further includes a resilient articulated arm arranged to act between the fixing and the structure to urge the lug into the recess when the fixing is connected to the structure.