Removable Deck Plate Clamping Mechanism for Vehicle Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting platforms in vehicles, such as deck plates, require multiple hardware pieces and external tools, making them heavy, complex, and difficult for operators to quickly and securely install or remove, which hinders weight reduction and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A removable deck plate assembly with a clamping mechanism that includes a clamping plate and a clamping arm with a cam, allowing for secure attachment to a vehicle frame without additional tools, enabling easy installation and removal by the operator, and reducing the weight and complexity of hardware needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hardware pieces (screw, top plate, bottom plate, lock washer, nut) are used to fasten the deck plate, then the mounting is secure and reliable, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate hardware components (screw, top plate, bottom plate, lock washer, nut) into a single integrated clamp assembly. The clamp includes a clamp body with integrated clamping surfaces and fastening mechanisms, eliminating the need for multiple separate pieces of hardware while maintaining secure mounting of the deck plate to the vehicle frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, secures the deck plate to the frame, and enables tool-free installation and removal. The integrated design allows a single component to perform what previously required five separate hardware pieces, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple hardware pieces and external tools are required for mounting, then the connection is secure, but the ease of operation and installation speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-contained and self-operating. The operator can directly manipulate the clamp without requiring external tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers. The clamp includes integrated fastening mechanisms that can be operated by hand, allowing the operator to securely mount and remove the deck plate quickly and easily while maintaining reliable connection.
3Reliability
If conventional hardware pieces are used to fasten the platform, then the mounting is secure, but the vehicle weight increases, reducing load capacity and profitability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges five separate hardware components into one integrated clamp assembly, significantly reducing the total weight of fastening hardware. This weight reduction directly increases the vehicle's load capacity while the integrated design maintains secure mounting through combined clamping and fastening functions in a single lightweight structure.
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 solution allows for quick, secure, and lightweight mounting of platforms with reduced hardware, enabling easier access and storage under the deck plates, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability by minimizing weight and eliminating the need for ancillary tools.
Implementation Method 1
The connector mechanism includes a clamping arm and a clamping plate configured so as to clamp the deck plate to the frame upon moving the clamping arm into a position adjacent the deck plate
Data Source
AI summary
A removable deck plate or platform for a vehicle includes a platform for placement on a vehicle frame, a clamping plate for clamping the platform against the frame, a clamping arm engageable with the clamping plate via a hole in the platform, wherein the clamping arm and the clamping plate are configured so as to clamp the platform to the frame upon moving the clamping arm into a position adjacent the platform.