Retaining Device for Vehicle Racks Using Spring-Loaded Detent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing accessory racks to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are inefficient and unreliable, as they often require time-consuming and imperfect methods like ropes, tethers, and traditional fastening mechanisms that do not easily accommodate varying sizes and shapes of cargo.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a housing member, head, and detent mechanism that uses a ratchet-and-pawl arrangement and spring-governed retaining arms to securely attach and detach accessory racks from a base rack, allowing for quick and reliable attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fastening mechanisms (screws, cotter pins, flange-and-recess systems) are used to secure accessory racks to base racks, then the connection is reliable, but the attachment and removal process is time-consuming and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device employs a dynamic spring-loaded detent mechanism that automatically engages with rack holes when the housing member is inserted. The spring force enables the detent to flex and snap into place, providing rapid automatic engagement without requiring manual fastening operations. For release, the user simply pulls the housing member outward, which disengages the detent from the rack holes, enabling quick removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded detent mechanism is self-actuating during the attachment process. When the housing member is inserted through the accessory rack into the base rack recess, the detent automatically engages with the rack holes under spring force, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular solutions with interchangeable rack extensions and accessory racks are implemented, then the versatility and cargo-carrying capacity are improved, but the complexity of securing multiple varying components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is designed as a universal securing mechanism that can attach to various rack configurations. The housing member can be inserted through accessory racks of different sizes and shapes into the base rack recess, and the spring-loaded detent mechanism adapts to engage with rack holes in different positions. This single device replaces multiple specialized fastening mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device is divided into functional segments: the housing member that provides structural support and guidance, the spring-loaded detent mechanism that provides automatic engagement, and the release mechanism that enables quick disengagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system that handles various rack configurations.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is established between accessory racks and base racks, then the reliability of cargo transport is improved, but the ease of reversible attachment and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent creates a dynamic connection that is secure during normal operation but easily releaseable when needed. The spring force maintains constant engagement pressure on the rack holes, ensuring reliable connection during cargo transport. For release, the user simply pulls the housing member outward, which overcomes the spring force and disengages the detent, providing easy reversible attachment without compromising security during use.
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 fast, efficient, and reliable securing of accessory racks to ATVs, accommodating various sizes and shapes of cargo, while allowing for easy removal and reattachment, enhancing the versatility and practicality of ATV cargo transport.
Implementation Method 1
an engaging mechanism that extends the detent and pulls it toward the head
Implementation Method 2
the lock is a ratchet-and-pawl arrangement, wherein the ratchet is defined along a surface of a first tab and the pawl is defined along a surface of the second tab
Implementation Method 3
The detent may comprise at least one retaining arm, and preferably comprises two retaining arms
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining device for securing one or more accessory racks to a base rack on a vehicle is provided herein. The device comprises a housing member that extends through the one or more accessory racks and into the base rack, a head, secured to the housing member that engages one or other of the racks, a detent that engages the other of the racks, and an engagement mechanism that extends the detent and pulls it toward the head. The device may further comprise a lock that secures the detent in a clamping position. The lock may comprise a ratchet and pawl arrangement defined by first and second levered tabs disposed on the head, the first tab being operably connected to the engagement mechanism. An ATV comprising one or more accessory racks secured to a base rack by a retaining device as described herein is also provided.