Removable Vehicle Container With Pivot Handle Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Side-by-side vehicles require a toolbox that is securely transportable and removable for performing repairs in challenging terrain, but existing solutions fail to balance security and ease of access to tools.
Innovation Solution
A container with a pivotally connected handle that moves between locked and unlocked positions, using catches and catch receiving spaces to secure the container to a base, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while maintaining tool accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is permanently secured to the vehicle, then the security and stability of tools during transport is improved, but the ability to remove the container for field repairs is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container system transitions from a static permanently secured state to a dynamic removable state through the pivotally connected handle mechanism. The handle can rotate between a locked position (securing the container to the vehicle) and an unlocked position (allowing removal), enabling the system to adapt between transport security and field repair needs.
2Ease of operation
If the container is made removable for field access, then the ease of access to tools is improved, but the security and stability during transport is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into separable components: the container body and the vehicle mounting base, connected through a handle mechanism with catch features. This segmentation allows the container to be easily detached for field repairs while maintaining secure attachment during transport through the engagement of catches with corresponding receiving spaces.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to the container, then the security during transport is improved, but the complexity of the container structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates through self-service principles where the pivotally connected handle automatically engages with the catch and catch receiving space features when positioned in the locked state. The gravity-assisted ramp feature and protrusion design allow the mechanism to self-lock without additional actuators or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A container assembly for a vehicle having a container receiving base having one of a catch and a catch receiving space and a removable container selectively disposed on the container receiving base, the removable container having a container body defining an item receiving space, and a handle pivotally connected to the container body and being movable between a locked and an unlocked position, the handle having an other one of the catch and the catch receiving space, the other one of the catch and the catch receiving space being movable with the handle, where in the locked position, the catch is received in the catch receiving space, preventing separation of the container from the base and in the unlocked position, the catch is out of the catch receiving space, allowing separation of the container from the base. A removable container and a vehicle incorporating the container assembly are also disclosed.