Adapter Bracket Assembly for Cross-Manufacturer Utility Component Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility vehicles often require specialized attachment brackets that are not compatible with components from different manufacturers, leading to unnecessary expenses and waste when trying to use incompatible or non-compliant utility components.

Innovation Solution

An adapter bracket assembly that includes an attachment member compatible with the utility vehicle and a component-engaging member compatible with the different utility component, allowing secure connection and operation of otherwise incompatible components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specialized attachment bracket is provided by the manufacturer, then the utility component produced by the same manufacturer can be securely connected, but utility components from other manufacturers cannot be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection compatibilityVSAvoidcross-manufacturer compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter bracket assembly serves as an intermediary component between the vehicle's original attachment bracket and the utility component from a different manufacturer. The adapter includes a first interface that connects to the vehicle's attachment bracket and a second interface that connects to the utility component, enabling compatibility between incompatible parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter bracket assembly provides multi-functionality by enabling the same attachment bracket to work with both the original manufacturer's utility component and utility components from other manufacturers, thus expanding the versatility of the attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate and distinct attachment bracket is installed for incompatible utility components, then the utility component can be used with the utility vehicle, but the originally-supplied attachment bracket must be removed and discarded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveutility component compatibilityVSAvoidattachment bracket waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter bracket assembly is designed to nest over or attach to the existing attachment bracket on the utility vehicle, allowing both the original attachment bracket and the adapter to coexist. This nested configuration enables the use of incompatible utility components without removing or discarding the originally-supplied attachment bracket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the utility component is directly connected to the attachment bracket, then the connection is simple, but the attachment bracket cannot accommodate different utility component types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidcomponent type accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into three distinct interfaces: the vehicle's attachment bracket interface, the adapter bracket assembly interface, and the utility component interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility across different utility component types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9555842B1Adapter bracket assembly configured to adapt a utility vehicle for use with a different utility component

Publication Date: 2017.01.31 WESTENDORF MANUFACTURING CO INC

AI summary

An adapter bracket assembly is configured to allow a tractor to operatively connect to a different, otherwise incompatible utility component. The adapter bracket assembly includes an attachment member configured to securely connect to an attachment bracket that is compatible with the tractor, and a component-engaging member that is configured to securely connect to the different utility component in order to securely and operatively connect the different utility component to the tractor.