Stackable Fuel and Accessory Container Anchoring for Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting additional fuel and accessories on vehicles, such as snowmobiles, are inconvenient and insecure, often resulting in objects shifting or becoming loose during travel due to limited space and inadequate securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container assembly comprising a base container with an anchor and fixture system that connects to vehicle anchor fixtures, allowing an accessory container to be stacked on top and securely attached to the vehicle, using a common connection arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If objects are secured to vehicle parts using ropes, cords, or tie-downs, then objects can be transported on the vehicle, but objects may shift or loosen during travel due to vehicle jerks and bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The container assembly includes self-contained anchor fixtures and locking mechanisms that automatically secure the container to the vehicle without requiring separate ropes, cords, or tie-downs. The anchor lock engages with the vehicle anchor fixture to provide reliable securing while maintaining ease of operation through simple attachment and detachment procedures.
2Volume of moving object
If cargo sections or racks are provided on vehicles, then space for carrying cargo is available, but the space is limited and may not accommodate multiple container types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The container assembly is designed with universal anchor fixtures and connection arrangements that can accommodate multiple container types (jerry cans and accessory containers) simultaneously. The standardized anchor interface allows different container configurations to be secured to the vehicle's cargo sections, expanding both cargo capacity and adaptability.
3Reliability
If jerry cans and accessory containers are transported separately, then each container can be secured independently, but additional space and complex securing mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory container is designed to stack on top of the jerry can, merging two separate containers into a single integrated assembly. This stacked configuration allows both containers to be secured together using a single anchor fixture and locking mechanism, reducing the complexity of securing mechanisms while maintaining reliable attachment to the vehicle.
4Ease of manufacture
If containers are designed with different connection arrangements, then specific containers can be secured to specific locations, but versatility in transporting different container combinations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container assembly is segmented into modular components (jerry can and accessory container) with standardized anchor fixtures on each. This segmentation allows individual containers to be manufactured with specific connection arrangements while maintaining overall versatility, as each module can be independently attached to vehicle anchor fixtures or stacked together using the same connection interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A stackable container assembly and vehicle having a stackable container assembly. The assembly includes a first pair of vehicle anchor fixtures; a second pair of vehicle anchor fixtures, a base container for selectively connecting to the first and second pairs of vehicle anchor fixtures; and an accessory container for selectively connecting to the base container and the first and second pairs of vehicle anchor fixtures. When connected to the vehicle, anchor fixtures of the first pair of vehicle anchor fixtures HAVE a separation therebetween equal to a separation between anchor fixtures of second pair of vehicle anchor fixtures, the base container being selectively connected to one of the first pair of vehicle anchor fixtures and the second pair of vehicle anchor fixtures, and the accessory container being selectively connected to the base container or the other one of the first and second pairs of vehicle anchor fixtures.