Vehicle Accessory Mounting Fixture With Hinged Anti-Release Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing accessory mounting systems for vehicles lack universality, reliability, and anti-theft security, and are challenging to improve in a cost-effective manner.

Innovation Solution

The proposed accessory mounting system includes a first fixture with a locking assembly and a second fixture, both connectable to the vehicle surface, to securely attach accessories. The locking assembly features hingedly connected parts with a complementary locking feature and a resilient member to maintain a closing force, preventing inadvertent release of the accessory. Additionally, the system includes a method for mounting an accessory using these fixtures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking assembly with complementary locking features is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of unintended releaseVSAvoidlocking assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is divided into two hingedly connected parts that can independently close around the accessory. Each part has its own locking mechanism, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through distributed locking points rather than a single complex lock, thus managing complexity through segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complementary locking features are pre-configured on the locking assembly parts and accessory. When the accessory is inserted, the locking features automatically engage without requiring additional manual locking actions, achieving reliable locking while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a resilient member is added to maintain closing force, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintainment of closing forceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member automatically maintains closing force on the locking assembly parts without requiring external power sources or control systems. The elastic component continuously applies pressure to keep the locking features engaged, achieving reliable force maintenance through self-powered elastic deformation rather than active control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the locking assembly is designed to be universal, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple accessoriesVSAvoidlocking feature alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly is designed with standardized complementary locking features that can accommodate multiple types of accessories. The hingedly connected parts and universal locking interface allow the same assembly to securely hold different accessory geometries, achieving multi-functionality while using standard manufacturing tolerances through robust feature design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If anti-theft locking devices are integrated, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft prevention capabilityVSAvoidlocking system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-theft locking device is integrated within the existing locking assembly structure. The locking features serve dual purposes: securing the accessory during normal operation and preventing unauthorized removal through the same hinged closing mechanism, achieving security enhancement without adding separate external locking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 enhanced universality by being adaptable to multiple accessories, improved reliability through secure locking mechanisms, and increased anti-theft security, all while maintaining a cost-effective approach.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250026425A1Accessory mounting system for a vehicle and method for using the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 KIMPEX

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.