Conical Grab Bar Assembly for Tolerance-Compensating Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grab bar assemblies for passenger transport vehicles are bulky and require multiple connecting bolts, making them difficult to assemble and unable to compensate for manufacturing tolerances effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support rod arrangement with a conical connection between the grab bar element and the base, allowing for 360° rotation and alignment, and a detachable or permanent connection to the vehicle body, which compensates for manufacturing tolerances and provides a quick-assembly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bolted connection with multiple connecting bolts is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connecting bolts into a single conical connection interface. The conical connection integrates the functions of multiple fasteners into one unified structure, reducing the number of components while maintaining connection strength through the conical geometry that distributes loads effectively across the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical connection is segmented into a conical male part and a conical female receptacle, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly. This segmentation enables the connection to be made without complex preparatory work while maintaining structural integrity through the tapered interface design.
2Strength
If a bolted connection with multiple connecting bolts is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple assembly steps and multiple bolts are merged into a single conical insertion operation. The conical connection allows the grab bar element to be attached to the base by simply inserting one component into another, eliminating the need for multiple fastening operations while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry is pre-designed to guide the assembly process automatically. The tapered shape provides self-alignment and self-centering during insertion, eliminating the need for precise alignment procedures or preparatory work before assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid connection is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection introduces a degree of rotational freedom, allowing the grab bar element to rotate 360° around the vertical axis during assembly. This dynamic capability enables the connection to adapt to manufacturing tolerances in the vehicle body while maintaining structural stability once positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical geometry changes the interaction parameters between components by providing a tapered surface that converts radial misalignment into axial displacement. This parameter transformation allows the connection to accommodate tolerance variations while maintaining a stable fixed position after assembly.
4Ease of operation
If a conical connection with shallow angle is used, then the ease of disassembly is improved, but the force transmission capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conical connection parameters (angle, length, diameter) are optimized to achieve a balance between ease of disassembly and force transmission. The specific cone angle and dimensions are selected to provide sufficient surface area for force distribution while maintaining a shallow enough angle for easy removal without special tools.
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 conical connection enables a compact, easily assembled, and ergonomically designed grab bar system that can transmit large torques and forces while being adjustable and easy to install, without requiring additional preparatory work like drilling or riveting.
Implementation Method 1
The contacting surfaces of the tapered connection have the shape of a truncated cone... The cone ratio is crucial for the ease of disassembly of the connection... The conical connection enables the transmission of large, alternating, and sudden torques and forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support rod arrangement 10, in particular for a passenger transport vehicle 1, comprising a base 100 and a support rod element 200 with at least one support rod 230, wherein the support rod element 200 is attached to the base 100, wherein the support rod element 200 and the base 100 are connected via a conical connection 300.