Adapter Assemblies for Universal Vehicle Implement Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for snow plows and other implements on passenger vehicles are limited to specific brands and mounts, lacking versatility for coupling a wide variety of implements and accessories.
Innovation Solution
The development of adapter assemblies comprising upper and lower crossbars with L-shaped brackets and a spacer bracket, allowing for quick coupling and decoupling with existing mounts, including snow plow mounts, to accommodate a range of implements and accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brand-specific attachment systems are used for snow plows, then the mounting is reliable and secure, but the versatility and adaptability to different implements and accessories is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle-mounted bracket and various implements/accessories. The adapter includes a first coupling mechanism that interfaces with the fixed bracket on the vehicle frame, and a second coupling mechanism that interfaces with different implements. This intermediary design allows the same adapter to work with multiple brands and types of implements while maintaining reliable mounting through the standardized bracket interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple implements and accessories. The adapter body incorporates multiple coupling mechanisms and attachment points that can interface with different types of implements (snow plows, brushers, salt spreaders, etc.) while maintaining a consistent interface with the vehicle-mounted bracket, thereby providing multi-functionality across different applications.
2Ease of manufacture
If custom attachment systems are designed for each implement type, then the attachment is optimized for that specific implement, but the device complexity and number of different mounts required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into three independent components: the fixed bracket mounted to the vehicle frame, the removable adapter assembly, and the implement-specific coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows the adapter to be designed as a universal intermediate component that can interface with different implements through standardized coupling mechanisms, reducing the need for multiple custom mount designs while maintaining optimization for specific implement types.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary that simplifies the system by providing a standardized interface between the vehicle bracket and various implements. Instead of designing custom attachment systems for each implement type, the adapter provides a universal coupling mechanism that can accommodate different implements through standardized interfaces, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture for each implement type.
3Strength
If permanent mounting systems are used for implements, then the structural strength is maximized, but the ease of operation for quick removal and reattachment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow for easy attachment and detachment while maintaining strong mounting during operation. The adapter includes removable coupling mechanisms such as pin-and-hole connections, bolt assemblies, or snap-fit mechanisms that provide sufficient strength for the intended application but can be quickly removed when needed, thus balancing permanent mounting strength with operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into permanent and removable components: the bracket mounted to the vehicle frame remains permanent, while the adapter assembly and implement couplings are designed to be removable. This segmentation allows the system to achieve permanent mounting strength through the robust bracket-to-adapter connection while enabling easy removal of the adapter and implement when required, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes upper and lower crossbars that are horizontally oriented and spaced vertically apart from each other, with each of the upper and lower crossbars having oppositely-disposed outboard ends. A pair of L-shaped brackets and a spacer bracket are mounted adjacent each outboard end of each of the upper and lower crossbars and horizontally orient and space the upper and lower crossbars vertically apart from each other. The pair of L-shaped brackets having lower legs configured to couple with the mount attached to the frame of the vehicle. The adapter assembly is adapted to couple with existing mounts installed on passenger vehicles, such as mounts adapted for the attachment of snow plows, to permit the attachment of a wide variety of implements and accessories to the front ends of such vehicles.