Crossbeam Towing Lug Mount With Self-Locking External Receiver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crash management systems for motor vehicles require the receiving element for a towing lug to be fully disposed within the crossbeam's cross section, which is inefficient and complex to produce.
Innovation Solution
The receiving element is positioned partially outside the crossbeam's cross section using specially shaped receiving openings and a corresponding cross section, allowing for a self-locking, cost-effective, and simple installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the receiving element is fully disposed within the crossbeam's cross section, then the attachment structure is contained within the crossbeam, but the production process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element extends beyond the crossbeam's cross-sectional boundaries in the vertical dimension, allowing part of it to protrude above or below the crossbeam while maintaining structural integrity. This dimensional change simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for completely internal mounting structures.
2Ease of manufacture
If the receiving element is positioned outside the crossbeam's cross section, then the production process becomes simpler and more cost-effective, but the receiving element may drop out or become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element features an asymmetric cross-section with a trapezoidal shape that does not match the circular opening. This asymmetry creates a self-locking mechanism where the receiving element cannot rotate or fall out, as the wider portion of the trapezoid is blocked by the crossbeam structure while the narrower portion passes through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric relationship between the trapezoidal receiving element and the circular opening creates an automatic self-locking mechanism. The receiving element's shape ensures it cannot be removed or rotated once installed, providing self-retention without additional fastening components.
3Shape
If the receiving element is fully within the crossbeam, then the structure appears compact, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex requiring welding or force-fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is extracted from the crossbeam's interior space and positioned externally, passing through the crossbeam's opening. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal attachment mechanisms such as welding or force-fitting, as the receiving element is simply inserted through the opening and retained by its geometric shape.
4Productivity
If the receiving element protrudes from the crossbeam, then the installation becomes simpler, but the receiving element occupies more external space
Solution Approach 1:
Only the necessary portion of the receiving element protrudes from the crossbeam - just enough to provide functional clearance and simplify installation. The receiving element passes through the crossbeam's opening with minimal external exposure, balancing installation simplicity with space efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a crash management system (100) for a motor vehicle, the crash management system (100) comprising: a crossbeam (10) having a front wall (16), a rear wall (18) and at least two transverse walls (19, 20) connecting the front wall (16) to the rear wall (18) and forming a closed cross section of the crossbeam (10); crash boxes (12) disposed at a distance from each other and connected to the crossbeam (10) and configured to connect the crossbeam (10) to a vehicle structure; and a receiving element (25) for attaching a towing lug, the receiving element (25) being connected to the crossbeam (10) laterally next to one crash box (12), the crossbeam (10) having respective receiving openings (47, 48) in the area of its front wall (16) and its rear wall (18), each receiving opening (47, 48) being adapted to the cross section of the receiving element (25).