Vehicle Accessory Attachment System With Pivotable Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for vehicle accessories are cumbersome and require special mounting kits, making it difficult to easily install and remove accessories from vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles.
Innovation Solution
A quick and secure attachment system comprising a locking mechanism with a pivotable actuator and L-shaped locking elements integrated with the accessory, which engages with a receiving base on the vehicle, allowing for easy installation and removal by pivoting the actuator between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If special mounting kits are used to secure accessories to vehicles, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate functional components: a receiving base mounted to the vehicle, a locking mechanism with actuator and locking elements, and an accessory. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying installation, as the locking mechanism can be attached to the accessory separately and then quickly engaged with the vehicle-mounted receiving base.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving base is designed with multiple openings that can accommodate different locking mechanisms, and the locking mechanism itself can be used with various accessories. This universal design allows a single receiving base to support multiple different accessories and locking mechanisms, eliminating the need for specialized mounting kits for each accessory type.
2Reliability
If special mounting kits are used to secure accessories to vehicles, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to transition between engaged and disengaged states. The actuator provides dynamic control, enabling the user to easily switch between locked and unlocked positions by simply pivoting the actuator, making installation and removal quick and simple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a biasing mechanism that automatically returns the locking elements to their engaged position after actuation. This self-service feature ensures reliable locking without requiring additional fastening steps or complex adjustment procedures, simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If locking elements are designed to engage the sides of the opening, then the reliability of the attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the locking elements protrude outward to engage the opening, the design inverts the approach by having the locking elements retract into the housing and engage the opening from within. This inverted configuration achieves reliable engagement while keeping the external profile compact and reducing overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are nested within the housing when not in use, and only extend outward when needed to engage the opening sides. This nesting arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact package, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable locking engagement when activated.
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
Enables rapid and secure installation and removal of accessories without the need for complex mounting kits, ensuring a reliable and user-friendly process for various vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
the locking elements are each provided with a biasing or recall mechanism (e.g. a torsion spring) to bias the locking elements toward their inoperative position
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system for securing an accessory to a vehicle is disclosed. The attachment system generally comprises at least a locking mechanism mountable to, or integral with, the accessory, and a base mounted to, or integral with, the vehicle. The locking mechanism generally comprises an actuator configured to actuate or displace at least a pair of locking elements between an inoperative (or unlocked) position and an operative (or locked) position. The base generally comprises at least one opening configured to at least partially receive the locking mechanism. The attachment system generally allows the installation and removal of the accessory by actuating the actuator of the at least one locking mechanism.