Chassis Frame Locking Assembly for Automatic Rigid Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chassis frames for vehicles have limitations in versatility, clearance issues due to loaded and unloaded actions, and weak fastening strength, particularly in commercial vehicles with diverse cargo types and autonomous driving capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A locking apparatus for chassis frames that includes a locking assembly with a cylinder configuration, fluid pressure unit, and motor-driven gear parts to automatically fasten and release adjacent chassis frames, enhancing rigidity and fastening strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a standardized container chassis is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility is limited and cannot accommodate various loading types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis structure simplicityVSAvoidloading type adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis frame is divided into multiple separable sections with standardized locking interfaces. Each section can be independently manufactured and then assembled through the locking assembly, allowing the chassis to be segmented for easy manufacturing while reconfigured for different loading requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with various chassis frame configurations and loading types. The standardized locking interface allows the same locking mechanism to secure different container types, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to diverse cargo requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If manual fastening operations are used, then the device complexity is low, but the fastening strength is weak and clearance issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening mechanism simplicityVSAvoidfastening strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical fastening operation is replaced with an automated locking assembly that uses a cylinder mechanism. When the chassis frames are positioned, the cylinder automatically extends to engage the locking unit, providing strong fastening without requiring manual intervention and eliminating clearance issues through precise automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly is designed to automatically perform the fastening operation when the chassis frames are brought into contact. The system self-activates through the contact between frames, triggering the cylinder to extend and lock the frames together without external intervention, thereby achieving strong fastening with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If a locking assembly with automated cylinder configuration is used, then the fastening strength is enhanced and clearance is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening strengthVSAvoidlocking assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the cylinder mechanism, locking unit, fluid pressure unit, and control switches are combined into one compact assembly. This consolidation provides enhanced fastening strength while minimizing the overall complexity by eliminating separate components and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated locking assembly activates itself through the contact between chassis frames. The first switch detects frame contact and automatically triggers the fluid pressure unit to extend the cylinder, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex manual operation mechanisms, thereby achieving strong fastening with relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Stability of the object's composition

If chassis frames are permanently fixed, then the structural stability is high, but the adaptability for selective extension and different loading types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis frame stabilityVSAvoidselective extension capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chassis frame transitions from a permanently fixed state to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The locking assembly allows frames to be securely fixed when needed for stability during transport, and easily released or repositioned when selective extension or reconfiguration is required, providing both stability and adaptability through controllable locking and unlocking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The apparatus enables selective extension and easy fastening of chassis frames, providing enhanced rigidity and stability for cargo boxes, suitable for various vehicles including autonomous drones.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid pressure unit configured to apply a fluid pressure to a chamber positioned on a rear surface of the locking unit so as to control movement of the locking unit and the cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a motor positioned in the receiving unit, and a gear part protruding an inner side of the receiving unit to be applied with a rotating force of the motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12491948B2Apparatus for locking chassis frames
Publication Date: 2025.12.09 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US12491948B2 patent drawing
  • US12491948B2 patent drawing
  • US12491948B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for locking chassis frames includes a locking assembly configured to be positioned at one end of a first chassis frame; and a receiving unit configured to be positioned in a second chassis frame corresponding to the first chassis frame in a longitudinal direction, and configured such that at least a part of the locking assembly is configured to be inserted into the receiving unit. The locking assembly includes a cylinder housing configured to be positioned in the first chassis frame, a locking unit moved in the cylinder housing, and a first switch part positioned at one end of the cylinder housing, and configured to drive a fluid pressure unit when the second chassis frame comes into contact with the first chassis frame.