Vehicle Rack Anchor System With Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in securing items to vehicle racks due to issues with bungee cords and tie-downs, such as items sliding, large hooks not fitting through apertures, and cumbersome storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rack with apertures and anchors that can be selectively locked and unlocked, allowing for secure attachment of items directly to the rack or within accessories, using a latch and lever mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bungee cords and tie-downs are used to secure items to the rack, then items can be attached to the rack, but items may slide around on the rack while traveling over rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the anchor with latch and lever) between the item and the rack. Instead of directly using bungee cords that allow sliding, the anchor acts as a mediator that provides fixed attachment points through apertures, preventing item movement while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system is designed to be self-securing through the latch mechanism that engages with the lever. Once the anchor is inserted through the aperture and the lever is positioned, the latch automatically engages to lock the anchor in place, providing self-service securing without requiring additional fastening operations.
2Reliability
If hooked ends of cords or straps are used to attach items to the rack, then items can be secured to the rack, but the hooked ends are too large to pass through apertures of the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into distinct functional segments: the body portion that passes through the aperture, the latch mechanism for securing, and the lever for operation. This segmentation allows the main body to be compact enough to pass through apertures while incorporating the necessary securing features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having large hooked ends that need to be maneuvered around obstacles, the design inverts the approach by having a compact anchor body that passes through the aperture first, with the securing mechanism (latch) engaging from the inside. This reverses the traditional hook-into-loop approach and solves the accessibility problem.
3Reliability
If bungee cords and tie-downs are used to secure items to the rack, then items can be attached to the rack, but they must be stored elsewhere or attached to the rack when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor system serves multiple functions: it can be used to secure items directly to the rack, to attach accessories to the rack, and the anchors themselves can be stored on the rack when not in use. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage solutions and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the attachment device (anchor) with the storage solution by allowing anchors to be hung on the rack itself when not in use. This combining of functions eliminates the need for separate storage containers or locations, simplifying the overall system.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.