Adhesive Adapter Mounting Structure for Drill-Free Vehicle Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing accessibility devices in vehicles require drilling holes through the OEM floor, which can damage electrical wires and fluid lines, compromise structural integrity, and void warranties, while also being cumbersome and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure that uses adhesive bonding to secure accessibility devices to the OEM floor, utilizing adapter plates and floor systems with cutouts and non-planar surfaces to distribute load and increase bonding area, and incorporating templates and shims for precise installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If drilling holes through the OEM floor is used to mount accessibility devices, then secure mounting is achieved, but electrical wires and fluid lines can be damaged and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary bonding system consisting of adhesive layers and bonding surfaces that mediate between the accessibility device and the OEM floor. This bonding system transfers mounting loads without requiring direct mechanical penetration, thereby avoiding damage to electrical wires and fluid lines while maintaining secure attachment. The adhesive acts as a mediator that distributes forces across a larger area of the floor surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drilling and bolting system with a chemical bonding system using adhesives. Instead of using mechanical fasteners that require holes through the floor, the system uses adhesive bonding to create a secure connection between the accessibility device and the OEM floor, eliminating the need for holes and the associated risks of damaging underlying components.
2Strength
If drilling holes through the OEM floor is used to mount accessibility devices, then secure mounting is achieved, but structural integrity of the floor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drilling system with a chemical bonding system using adhesives. The adhesive bonding distributes mounting loads across a larger area of the floor surface, avoiding concentrated stress points that would be created by holes and fasteners. This preserves the structural integrity and stability of the OEM floor while achieving secure mounting of accessibility devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If drilling holes through the OEM floor is used to mount accessibility devices, then mounting is achieved, but manufacturer warranty is voided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the drilling-based mounting system with an adhesive bonding system that does not require penetrating the OEM floor. This approach maintains the floor's original structure and appearance, complying with manufacturer guidelines and preserving warranty protection while still achieving secure mounting of accessibility devices.
4Force
If accessibility devices are solidly bolted through the vehicle floor, then high load capacity is achieved, but installation complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bonding surfaces and adhesive layers as intermediaries that simplify the installation process while maintaining load capacity. The bonding system provides a direct attachment method between the accessibility device and the OEM floor, eliminating the need for complex drilling, threading, and bolting operations. The adhesive mediator distributes loads effectively across the bonding surfaces, achieving high load capacity with simpler installation procedures.
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 secure and efficient installation of accessibility devices without drilling, maintaining structural integrity, and reducing weight and installation complexity, while ensuring adherence to manufacturer guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
an adapter mounting structure that is bonded to the OEM floor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting an accessibility device into an OEM vehicle without drilling holes is provided. The method may comprise an adapter mounting structure roughly configured to the profile of the accessibility device, that may have at least one or more fasteners to secure to the accessibility device. The adapter mounting structure may be bonded to the OEM vehicle floor using adhesives. The adapter mounting structure may be installed in OEM vehicles alongside a floor system. The floor may have cutout roughly configured to the profile of the adapter mounting structure to allow the adapter mounting structure to adhere directly to the OEM vehicle floor. The adapter mounting structure may have features that engage with the floor system to further strengthen the support.