Vehicle Accessory Rail Mounting With Locking Anti-Theft Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessory mounting systems for vehicles lack universality, reliability, and anti-theft security, particularly in a cost-effective manner, making it challenging to securely attach aftermarket accessories like storage units, fuel tanks, and racks without risking unintended release or theft.
Innovation Solution
The proposed accessory mounting system includes a pair of fixtures with a locking assembly featuring hingedly connected parts and a resilient member to prevent inadvertent release, along with a locking device for enhanced security, allowing for secure attachment and adjustment of accessories on a vehicle surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mounting fixture is used, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the reliability and security against unintended release or theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: a mounting fixture with body, a locking assembly with movable and fixed members, and a locking device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system relatively simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly incorporates a movable locking member that can transition between locked and unlocked positions, providing dynamic security control. The resilient member adds dynamic biasing force to maintain the locked state, enhancing reliability without requiring complex active systems.
2Reliability
If a locking assembly with multiple components is used, then the reliability and anti-theft security are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly merges the functions of the resilient member, movable locking member, and fixed locking member into a single integrated assembly that works together through mechanical cooperation. This combining approach achieves high reliability through functional integration while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient member automatically biases the movable locking member into the locked position, providing self-service locking without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The complementary locking feature between movable and fixed members creates a self-reinforcing locked state that prevents unintended release.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal mounting system is designed to fit multiple accessories, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture body and locking assembly are designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions that can accommodate multiple types of accessories. The U-shaped body with frontal opening and the locking mechanism provide a universal mounting solution that can secure various accessory shapes and sizes without requiring custom-designed fixtures for each accessory type.
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 a secure, adaptable, and cost-effective solution for mounting accessories, ensuring reliable attachment and preventing unauthorized release or theft, while allowing for easy installation and adjustment on various vehicle types.
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
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory mounting system for mounting an accessory on a vehicle is provided. The accessory mounting system includes a mounting assembly which has an elongated rail removably connectable to the vehicle. The elongated rail is provided with a slot extending therealong and which opens on a top surface of the elongated rail. The mounting assembly also includes a connector having a head portion slidably mounted within the slot, and a shank portion extending from the head and vertically above the top surface of the elongated rail. The mounting assembly also has a mounting fixture connectable to the connector and adapted to selectively have a portion of the accessory be connected thereto, the mounting fixture is connected to the connector in a manner such that moving the connector along the slot correspondingly displaces the mounting fixture along the elongated rail to adjust the position of the accessory on the vehicle.