Class 3 Vehicle Hoist Frame With Bolt-On Chassis Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoist systems for vehicles with interchangeable bodies are limited by welded designs that restrict conversion to other uses, suffer from damage due to repeated mountings, and are sized for larger vehicles, making them unsuitable for Class 3 trucks and below. Additionally, these systems often require outsourced welding and can lead to chassis damage and reduced vehicle life.
Innovation Solution
A hoist system featuring a subframe with bolt-on connections to the vehicle chassis, a linkage with a hinge joint member for raising the hoist frame, and a body lock mechanism that engages with floor rails without requiring pneumatics, hydraulics, or electric power. The system also includes an accessory mounting system with adjustable brackets and a winch assembly for efficient body mounting and unmounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a welded hoist system is used for mounting interchangeable bodies, then the hoist can be securely fixed to the chassis, but the chassis suffers damage from welding and conversion to other uses is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system is divided into separable components: the hoist frame assembly can be detached from the chassis without permanent welding. The mounting brackets and connection points are designed to allow repeated assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity, enabling the chassis to be converted to other uses after hoist removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of welding the entire hoist system to the chassis, localized mechanical connection points are used where mounting brackets attach to specific reinforced areas on the chassis. This concentrates the connection function at discrete locations without compromising the overall chassis structure or preventing future conversions.
2Strength
If welding is used to attach the hoist to the chassis, then secure mounting is achieved, but outsourced welding services are required and vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist mounting system is designed to be self-installable using basic mechanical fasteners that can be applied by on-site personnel without requiring professional welders. The mounting brackets, bolts, and connection hardware are configured for tool-based installation that can be performed quickly and securely, eliminating the need to schedule outsourced welding services and reducing vehicle downtime.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a welded hoist system is repeatedly installed and removed, then interchangeable bodies can be mounted, but the chassis and hoist suffer cumulative damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separable mechanical connections instead of permanent welding, allowing the hoist to be repeatedly attached and detached without cumulative damage. The mounting brackets and connection points are designed to maintain structural integrity through multiple cycles of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforced mounting areas and protective features are built into the chassis and hoist design from the beginning to withstand repeated mounting operations. The mechanical connection system includes load-distributing elements and stress-absorbing features that prevent cumulative damage during repeated installations and removals.
4Power
If a hoist system is designed for larger vehicles, then sufficient lifting capacity is achieved, but the system cannot be used on Class 3 trucks and below
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist system incorporates adjustable parameters including variable mounting positions, configurable linkage lengths, and adaptable winch capacities that can be selected based on the specific vehicle class and body weight requirements. This allows the same basic hoist design to be effectively applied across different vehicle sizes from Class 3 downward while maintaining sufficient lifting capacity for each application.
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 hoist system allows for efficient conversion of vehicles between different body types without chassis damage, reduces downtime by eliminating the need for outsourced welding, and is specifically designed for smaller vehicles, enhancing versatility and extending vehicle life.
Implementation Method 1
a winch assembly, retained in the elevated end of the hoist frame and extending beyond the pivot end, for raising the interchangeable body onto the hoist frame
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic cylinder, connected to the subframe, for displacing the linkage to raise the elevated end of the hoist frame
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in this disclosure is a hoist system for a Class 3 vehicle. The hoist system is particularly sized for Class 3 vehicles and includes a hoist frame, a subframe, a pivotal connection, a linkage, a plurality of connection brackets, and a winch assembly. Further, the hoist system has a body lock mechanism having a plurality of tabs, a plurality of body lock arms, and connection holes. Also included in the hoist system is an accessory mounting system having a plurality of accessory brackets, horizontal slots, and connection holes.