Vehicle Article Retainer With Spring Plunger Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle retention systems lack flexibility in accommodating various article sizes and mounting positions, leading to instability and increased operator distraction during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system comprising a housing with a plunger receiver, lever, and spring mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning and secure attachment of articles to vehicle structures, enabling flexible mounting and secure retention across different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed retention system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various sized articles and mounting positions
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system employs a movable plunger that can extend and retract to accommodate different article sizes and mounting positions. The plunger is biased by a spring and controlled by a lever mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment rather than fixed positioning. This enables the same retainer to secure various sized articles at different locations along the channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is divided into separable components including the housing, plunger, spring, lever, and channel sections. This segmentation allows the retainer to be adjusted along the channel to different mounting positions and enables the plunger to extend to different lengths depending on the article being secured, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable plunger mechanism is used, then flexibility in mounting positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever and plunger are combined as an integrated assembly where the lever controls the plunger movement. The lever rotates about a pivot and directly actuates the plunger through a connected arm, merging the actuation mechanism with the retention element. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides automatic biasing of the plunger into the engaged position without requiring external actuators or complex control systems. The lever mechanism uses simple rotational motion that naturally translates to linear plunger movement through the connected arm, allowing the system to self-regulate its retention force based on the article being secured.
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 stable and secure attachment of articles to vehicles, reducing distraction and preventing loss or damage by allowing for versatile mounting configurations and accommodating various article sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is disposed between the cover and the plunger. The spring is retractably urging the plunger into the first cover opening and the base opening.
Implementation Method 2
A spring is disposed between the housing and the plunger within the plunger receiver. The spring urging the foot away from the plunger receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer has a base having a first side having an engagement member extending therefrom and a second side. The base comprising a base opening therethrough. A plunger has a body and a flange extending from the body. A lever member has a lever opening therethrough. The lever opening is sized to receive the body. The lever opening is smaller than the flange. A cover is coupled to the base. The cover comprises a first cover opening. The lever member comprises a first end rotatably coupled to the base or the cover or both. The lever has a second end extending through the first cover opening. A spring is disposed between the cover and the plunger. The spring is retractably urging the plunger into the first cover opening and the base opening.