Break-Away Recovery Point Mounting for Crash-Safe Frame Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing after-market recovery point devices (RPDs) for vehicles are rigidly attached and do not break away during a crash, leading to unintended deformation of the vehicle frame, which can increase trauma to occupants and damage to the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A break-away RPD design with multiple attachment points, including slots that allow the device to rotate away from the vehicle frame under impact, distributing forces to maintain the frame's original deformation pattern and minimize damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid attachment design is used to ensure strong connection to the vehicle frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the frame deformation pattern is altered causing increased trauma to occupants and damage to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic break-away connection. The device includes a first attachment portion that remains connected to the vehicle frame and a second attachment portion that can detach upon impact. This dynamic behavior allows the connection to adapt to crash conditions, maintaining strength during normal operation but allowing controlled separation during collisions to preserve the frame's intended deformation pattern and reduce trauma to occupants.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a break-away design is used to allow rotation away during impact, then the frame deformation trauma is reduced, but the connection strength is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first attachment portion that provides strong anchoring to the vehicle frame, a break-away portion that can detach under impact, and a second attachment portion for securing the recovery point. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the first portion maintains strong connection while the break-away portion sacrificially fails to protect the frame, and the second portion maintains recovery functionality.
3Force
If multiple fixing elements are used to distribute the supplemental pulling force, then the force distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device uses universal attachment features that serve multiple functions. The first attachment portion serves both as a strong anchoring point and as part of the break-away mechanism. The break-away slot serves both to guide the break-away motion and to distribute forces. This multi-functionality allows effective force distribution without proportionally increasing device complexity, as each component performs multiple roles in both normal operation and crash scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A break-away recovery point device is disclosed for use with a vehicle frame. The break-away recovery point device includes a body having a recovery attachment device space, a frame attachment hole, and a break-away slot. The recovery attachment device space is configured to receive a recovery attachment device that is able to provide a supplemental pulling force. The frame attachment hole is configured to receive a first fixing element to affix the body to the vehicle frame and to enable rotation of the body about the first fixing element. The break-away slot is configured to receive a second fixing element to affix the body to the vehicle frame and to enable the body to rotate away from the second fixing element.