Vehicle Drive Mount Adapters for Variable Frame Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units require complex and costly designs to adapt to different vehicle frame geometries, necessitating modifications to ensure proper fit and stability.
Innovation Solution
A drive arrangement with a drive unit featuring two opposing openings and sleeves, each with an adapter that widens the unit along a mounting axis, allowing for adjustable connection width and secure attachment to varying frame interfaces using adapters made of dimensionally stable materials with vibration-damping and positive locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If drive units are designed with complex modifications to adapt to different frame geometries, then adaptability to different vehicle frames is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is segmented into a main body and separate adapter components. The adapters are detachable elements that can be attached to the drive unit's mounting area to modify its geometry. This segmentation allows the core drive unit to remain simple while adaptability is achieved through interchangeable adapter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive unit is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple frame geometries through adapters. The mounting area includes standardized openings and attachment points that work with various adapter types, allowing a single drive unit design to serve multiple vehicle frame configurations without requiring complex modifications to the core unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If drive units are designed with complex modifications to adapt to different frame geometries, then adaptability to different frame geometries is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the adaptation function into separate, standardized adapter components, each adapter can be manufactured independently using simple, cost-effective processes. The main drive unit remains unchanged and can be produced in high volumes, while adapters are produced as needed for different frame configurations, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter components allow for parameter changes in the drive unit's mounting geometry without requiring changes to the core drive unit design. By changing which adapters are attached, the effective mounting parameters (distance between mounting points, angle, etc.) can be adjusted to match different frame geometries, avoiding the need to manufacture multiple complex drive unit variants.
3Ease of manufacture
If adapters with fixed thickness are used to adjust drive unit width, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adjustment precision for optimal installation position may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The width adjustment function is segmented into multiple discrete adapter thickness options rather than requiring precision adjustment mechanisms. Each adapter thickness is manufactured with standard tolerances, and the appropriate thickness is selected based on the required installation position, simplifying manufacturing while achieving sufficient precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter thickness parameter is changed in discrete steps to achieve the required installation position. Rather than using continuously adjustable mechanisms, the system provides multiple fixed thickness options (e.g., 0mm, 5mm, 10mm adapters) that allow precise positioning to be achieved through selection rather than adjustment, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the needed installation precision.
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
Enables simple, cost-effective adaptation of drive units to different frame geometries, providing optimal installation, vibration reduction, and secure connections while reducing mechanical stress and noise, thus enhancing durability and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The damping element provides a certain damping effect through elastic deformation between the flange and the drive unit
Implementation Method 2
The damping element is made of an elastomer. The damping element provides a certain damping effect through elastic deformation
Implementation Method 3
a press fit is formed between the mounting area of the adapter and the flange of the corresponding sleeve
Implementation Method 4
The adapter is thus pressed onto the flange of the sleeve. This ensures precise relative positioning and a reliable, secure connection
Implementation Method 5
the positive locking elements create a positive lock in a plane perpendicular to the fastening axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive arrangement (1) of a vehicle that can be operated by muscle power and/or motor power, comprising a drive unit (2) with at least one mounting area (91), wherein the drive unit (2) has two opposing openings (20a, 20b) at the mounting area (91) which extend along a mounting axis (25), a sleeve (41, 42) for each opening (20a, 20b), wherein each sleeve (41, 42) is inserted into the corresponding opening (20a, 20b), and an adapter (6) which is arranged on at least one of the sleeves (41, 42) and is configured to widen the drive unit (2) along the direction of the mounting axis (25).