Three-Axis Shackle Assembly for RV Accessory Theft Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recreational vehicle accessories mounted externally are susceptible to theft due to lack of effective and simple theft prevention solutions.

Innovation Solution

A three-axis shackle assembly comprising frame members and securing members that form angles and include lock holes, allowing for secure positioning and locking of objects using pins or padlocks, providing a versatile and cost-effective theft prevention mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If external mounting of accessories is used to save interior space, then space utilization is improved, but theft susceptibility increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidtheft prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shackle assembly is divided into separate components including frame members with arm portions and base portions that can be positioned independently around the accessory, with securing members that can be locked into place. This segmentation allows the mounting system to be both space-efficient and securely lockable against theft.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shackle assembly provides localized security at specific points around the accessory through multiple arm portions and securing members that can be positioned at optimal locations. The lock holes and securing members create localized restraint points that prevent theft without requiring complex overall mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If simple theft prevention devices are used, then ease of operation is improved, but effectiveness in preventing theft deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of useVSAvoidtheft prevention effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shackle assembly incorporates movable securing members that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, providing both ease of operation when securing or releasing accessories and reliable theft prevention when locked. The dynamic capability allows users to easily attach and detach items while maintaining strong security when mounted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing members act as intermediaries between the frame members and the accessory, providing a simple interface for locking and unlocking. These securing members with lock holes enable easy attachment using pins or padlocks while maintaining effective theft prevention through the mechanical restraint they provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If inexpensive theft prevention devices are used, then cost is reduced, but reliability of theft prevention deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost effectivenessVSAvoidtheft prevention reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shackle assembly uses simple, inexpensive materials and construction methods including basic frame members, arm portions, and securing members that can be manufactured at low cost. While individual components are simple and inexpensive, their combined configuration provides reliable theft prevention through multiple restraint points and secure locking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines multiple functional elements (frame members, arm portions, base portions, securing members, and lock holes) into a single integrated assembly that provides comprehensive theft prevention. By merging these simple, inexpensive components into a coordinated system, the invention achieves reliable security without requiring expensive individual parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11059432B2Three-axis shackle assembly for mounted object
Publication Date: 2021.07.13 JOHN D ROBA CO INC DBA JR PROD
  • US11059432B2 patent drawing
  • US11059432B2 patent drawing
  • US11059432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a three-axis shackle assembly that includes first and second frame members and a securing member. Each frame member has a base portion with first and second ends and a pair of spaced-apart arm portions extending from each of the ends of each of the base portions. The securing member is movable between a first position in which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the securing member and a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected by the securing member.