Vehicle Accessory Bracket with Segmented Inner Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessory brackets are often bulky, ineffective at covering unsightly scratches, dents, or rust, and are costly, limiting their utility in improving vehicle aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle accessory bracket that attaches to the vehicle's existing structure, such as rocker panels, using a sturdy inner bracket with ribs for strength and multiple openings for secure fastening, allowing for easy installation of accessories to cover imperfections and enhance aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If prior art covers are used to cover unsightly scratches, dents, or rust, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the covers are bulky and ineffective at covering imperfections
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner bracket portion that attaches to the vehicle structure, an outer bracket portion that provides the mounting surface, and multiple ribs that provide structural support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a compact overall form.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending the inner bracket portion inward toward the vehicle structure and the outer bracket portion outward to provide the mounting surface. This dimensional arrangement allows the bracket to cover imperfections effectively without requiring excessive material volume.
2Shape
If prior art covers are used to cover unsightly scratches, dents, or rust, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is formed as a unitary piece with segmented functional regions (inner bracket, outer bracket, ribs) that can be manufactured using standard stamping or forming processes. This segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support through ribs, attaches to the vehicle structure via the inner bracket portion, and provides a mounting surface for accessories via the outer bracket portion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, lowering manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a sturdy bracket structure is used to provide durable mounting, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket structure is segmented into functional regions (inner bracket, outer bracket, ribs) that provide durability through strategic placement of structural elements rather than uniform thickening throughout. This segmentation maintains reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner bracket, outer bracket, and ribs are merged into a unitary structure that provides durable mounting capability. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate components and fasteners, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications that attaches to an existing interior structure of the vehicle, including but not limited to, inner rocker panels on pickup trucks, pinch welds on wheel openings, and bumper mounting points. The vehicle accessory bracket is also designed to provide a proper mounting surface for the rocker accessory. The vehicle accessory bracket for use in automotive applications is disclosed herein comprising a longitudinal body, a rib and an opening for engaging and mounting to the existing structure of the vehicle. The vehicle accessory bracket can be used to cover up rusty/unsightly blemishes on vehicles, especially rocker panels on pickup trucks as disclosed herein.