Vehicle Accessory Mount With Locking Pin Against Vibration Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching accessories to vehicles, such as toolboxes and fuel canisters, are prone to loosening due to vibration and lack locking features to prevent unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system with a mounting bracket and connector featuring L-shaped connecting pins and a locking pin that secures to a vehicle, allowing lateral movement when locked and enabling detachment when unlocked, with optional keyed locks for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable fabric straps or elastic cord are used to attach accessories, then the attachment method is simple and easy to operate, but the attachment loosens over time due to vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket with aperture, an L-shaped connecting pin with cantilevered portion, and a locking pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the connecting pin provides initial attachment while the locking pin secures it against vibration, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped connecting pin is designed to be movable within the aperture, allowing it to flex and adjust during attachment and detachment operations. This dynamic capability enables easy operation while the locking pin provides static security against vibration-induced loosening, simultaneously achieving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Device complexity
If adjustable fabric straps or elastic cord are used to attach accessories, then the attachment method is simple, but it lacks locking features to prevent unauthorized removal
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system separates the connecting function (L-shaped pin) from the locking function (locking pin), allowing the basic attachment to remain simple while adding security through the optional locking mechanism. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling security enhancement without fundamentally complicating the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the connecting pin and the aperture. It provides the locking function by preventing unauthorized removal while allowing legitimate attachment and detachment operations, thus adding security without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If a locking pin is added to prevent lateral movement of the connecting pin, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is positioned locally within the aperture to provide security only where needed - at the connection point between the mounting bracket and accessory. This localized approach provides effective security against unauthorized removal while minimizing the overall complexity increase, as the locking mechanism is confined to a specific location rather than distributed throughout the entire attachment system.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system includes a connector that is removably securable to a vehicle body or a mounting bracket that is securable to a vehicle body. The connector includes a housing and a connecting pin extending from a surface of the housing. The connecting pin is receivable in the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in a first position, and the connecting pin is moveable to a second position such that a portion of the mounting bracket or vehicle body is located intermediate a portion of the connecting pin and the housing. The connector further includes a locking pin moveable from a locking position to a release position. The locking pin is engaged with the mounting bracket or the vehicle body in the locking position, thereby inhibiting movement of the connecting pin from the second position. The locking pin is disengaged from the mounting bracket or the vehicle body when in the release position, thereby allowing removal of the connecting pin from the vehicle body or the mounting bracket.