Multi-Position Vehicle Accessory Mount with Segmented Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessories, such as lights and storage racks, are typically fixed in place and cannot be easily moved to different positions on the vehicle, limiting their functionality in directing light or carrying additional items.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory mount system featuring a first base, a support, and a connector with retainer features that allow the support to be rotated and positioned relative to the base in multiple configurations, enabling flexible placement without removing the connector, and including a biasing member to yieldably bias the retainer to an advanced position for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are fixed mounted to the vehicle, then the mounting is stable and secure, but the accessories cannot be moved to different positions on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system with multiple discrete positions. The support can be rotated to different angular positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and retained at each position, transforming the mounting system from completely fixed to multi-position adjustable while maintaining stability at each position through the retention features.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into discrete retention features on both the support and base, allowing the support to be positioned at specific angular intervals rather than continuously. This segmentation enables multiple predetermined positions while maintaining secure retention at each position, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support is made rotatable to multiple positions, then position flexibility is improved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates rotational freedom around the connector axis, allowing the support to be easily rotated to different positions. This dynamic capability is achieved through the clearance between retention features, enabling position flexibility without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement is segmented into discrete angular positions defined by the retention features, which engage at specific intervals (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). This segmentation simplifies the system by providing natural stopping points and eliminating the need for continuous positioning control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the retainer is made movable to decouple retainers, then ease of movement is improved, but the retention security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with movable capability that allows it to be shifted between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic movement enables easy decoupling of the retainers for repositioning, while the biased position ensures secure engagement when retained, resolving the contradiction between ease of movement and retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's position parameter can be changed between two states: engaged (biased position providing retention security) and disengaged (allowing movement). This parameter change is achieved through simple manual manipulation, enabling easy repositioning while maintaining security during normal operation.
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 the accessory to be moved and secured in various positions on the vehicle, enhancing its functionality by allowing directional adjustment of lights and versatile mounting for additional items like bikes or storage containers.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member may act on the first retainer and provide a force on the first retainer yieldably biasing the first retainer to the advanced position
Data Source
AI summary
In at least some implementations, an accessory mount for a vehicle includes a first base, a support and a connector coupling the support to the first base. The first base has a first retainer with one or more retention features. The support has a second retainer that has one or more retention features that overlap one or more of the one or more retention features of the first retainer in different positions of the support relative to the first base. At least one of the first retainer and second retainer is movable relative to the other to decouple the first retainer and second retainer without removing the connector from the first base to enable movement of the support to multiple positions relative to the first base.