Vehicle Accessory Mounting Fixture With Anti-Release Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounting systems for vehicles lack universality, reliability, and anti-theft security, particularly in a cost-effective manner, and continue to face challenges in securely attaching aftermarket accessories without unintended release or theft.
Innovation Solution
The proposed accessory mounting system includes a pair of fixtures with a locking assembly featuring hingedly connected parts and a resilient member to prevent inadvertent release, along with a locking device for enhanced security, allowing for secure attachment and adjustment of accessories on a vehicle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mounting fixture is used, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the reliability and security against unintended release or theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting fixture attached to the vehicle surface, a locking assembly with hinge members and locking features, and an accessory. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly incorporates complementary locking features and resilient members that preemptively counteract opening forces before unintended release can occur. The hinge members are designed with locking features that engage to prevent opening, and resilient members apply continuous closing force to maintain the closed state against potential opening forces.
2Reliability
If a resilient member is added to maintain closing force, then the reliability against inadvertent release is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member is designed to be removably connected to the hinge members, allowing the locking assembly to partially service itself by maintaining closing force automatically once closed. The resilient member continuously applies force to keep the hinge members in the closed position without requiring active control or additional power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member changes the force parameter within the locking assembly by providing continuous closing force. This parameter change ensures that the locking features remain engaged under varying load conditions, maintaining reliability without requiring a completely complex active control system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking device is incorporated to prevent theft, then the anti-theft security is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated into the locking assembly structure, with locking features that are preliminarily positioned to engage with complementary features on the accessory. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the hinge members are closed, the locking device automatically engages to prevent theft, without requiring separate manual locking actions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting system is designed to be universal for multiple accessories, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and reliability for each specific accessory may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture and locking assembly are designed with universal features that can accommodate multiple accessory types. The hinge members and locking features are configured to work with various accessory geometries, allowing a single mounting system design to serve multiple functions and accessory types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different accessories by allowing parameter changes in the positioning and configuration of the mounting fixture and locking assembly. The resilient member force and locking feature engagement can be adjusted to maintain reliability across different accessory types and sizes.
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 system provides a secure, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for mounting accessories, ensuring reliable attachment and preventing unauthorized release or theft, while accommodating various accessory types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
An additional, or alternative, resilient member removably connected to both hingedly connected parts biases the locking assembly by maintaining a closing force to it
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory mounting fixture for a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting fixture includes a fixture body connectable to a vehicle surface and having a substantially U-shape defining a frontal opening and adapted to receive an accessory portion. The accessory mounting fixture also includes a locking assembly adapted to selectively secure the accessory portion within the frontal opening. The locking assembly has a first lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on a first side of the frontal opening and a second lock member pivotally connected to the fixture body on the second side of the frontal opening. The first and second locking members are operable between a closed position for confining the accessory portion within the frontal opening, and an open configuration. Positioning the first and second lock members in the closed position secures the accessory portion within the frontal opening.