Stake Pocket Accessory Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anchor devices for pickup trucks are either permanently attached to stake pockets, affecting the vehicle's aesthetic appearance and preventing the mounting of other devices, or they can be easily stolen if removable.

Innovation Solution

A stake pocket accessory with a locking mechanism that secures the accessory to either a first aperture not accessible from the bed or a second aperture accessible from the bed, using a movable locking lever or a rotatable lock latch with flanges, allowing for reliable attachment and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the anchoring device is permanently attached to the stake pocket, then the device is securely fixed and cannot be stolen, but the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is detracted and other devices cannot be mounted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of anchoring deviceVSAvoidmounting flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable attachment through the implementation of a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a movable locking lever that can engage with locking apertures to secure the device, or be retracted to allow removal, enabling the device to adapt between fixed and removable states based on user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the anchoring device is made removable, then mounting flexibility is improved, but the device can easily be stolen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity of anchoring device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the anchoring device and the stake pocket. This intermediary component includes a locking lever, locking apertures, and engagement features that mediate the connection, providing controlled security while maintaining removability. The locking mechanism prevents unauthorized removal while allowing authorized users to install and remove the device as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to the anchoring device, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of anchoring deviceVSAvoidstructure of anchoring device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device is segmented into distinct functional components: the main anchoring device, the locking mechanism, the locking lever, and the locking apertures. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design. The locking mechanism is designed as a separate modular assembly that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing complexity in the main anchoring device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11173828B2Stake pocket accessories having a locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 FCA US LLC

AI summary

An accessory configured to be secured within a stake pocket formed in a sidewall of a bed of a vehicle. The stake pocket includes an opening formed in an upper wall of the sidewall configured for receipt of the accessory, a first aperture that is not accessible from the bed, and a second aperture that is accessible from the bed. The accessory includes a locking mechanism that is configured to secure the accessory to either the first aperture or the second aperture.