Adaptive Bumper System With Independent Winch Cradle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with high ground clearance, such as trucks and SUVs, face difficulties in accessing cargo due to elevated bed or roof-rack heights, and existing solutions for attaching accessories like winches and steps are not adaptable or convenient.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive bumper system with a winch cradle and rear step assembly that allows for independent mounting and adjustment, along with a multifunction upper fender assembly for accessory integration, providing improved access and utility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a winch is mounted to the front bumper or frame member, then the vehicle gains towing capability, but the mounting structure becomes complex and non-adaptable to different vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly is designed with multiple mounting configurations, allowing the same bumper to accommodate winches at different positions (front bumper or frame member) and support various accessories (spot lights, mirrors, winches) through integrated mounting points, eliminating the need for different bumper designs for different vehicles
2Ease of operation
If the step extension member is fully extended, then access to cargo is improved, but the step structure becomes less stable and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The step extension member is designed to be slidable within the tubular body, allowing it to dynamically adjust between retracted and extended positions. The bolt assembly enables selective fixation at different positions, providing both extended access capability and stable fixed positions when needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are attached to the vehicle, then vehicle utility is increased, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper assembly and upper fender assembly incorporate multiple integrated mounting points and surfaces that can accommodate various accessories (spot lights, aftermarket mirrors, winches). These mounting features are built into the standard vehicle components, allowing accessory installation without modifying the vehicle's fundamental structure or adding complex mounting hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A bumper assembly is provided for a vehicle having a frame. The bumper assembly includes a winch cradle defining a cradle mounting aperture corresponding to a first frame aperture of the frame. A bumper member is configured to at least partially surround the winch cradle and extend laterally from the winch cradle across a portion of the vehicle. The bumper member defines a bumper mounting aperture corresponding to a second frame aperture. The winch cradle is configured to couple to the vehicle frame independent of the bumper member and the bumper member is configured to couple to the vehicle frame independent of the winch cradle.