Triangular Fork Bumper with Deflection Cavities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle handling forks do not effectively protect front bumpers of vehicles with varying bumper bottom to frame distances from damage during use, as previous solutions are not adaptable to different vehicle configurations.

Innovation Solution

A protection bumper system comprising a triangular-shaped bumper portion with through cavities for deflection and a C-shaped attachment bracket, designed to fit various fork members, which includes a retention strip for secure attachment, made from resilient materials like rubber to absorb impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a substantially rectangular bumper is placed on the vertical portion of the fork, then the bumper provides basic protection, but it cannot effectively protect vehicles with varying bumper bottom to frame distances due to fixed geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different vehicle configurationsVSAvoidbumper structure design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper portion is designed with an angled side that can deflect dynamically during impact events. This dynamic capability allows the bumper to adapt to different vehicle bumper positions and absorption requirements, resolving the contradiction between providing universal protection and maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bumper's angled side is designed to change its effective protection parameters (deflection angle, contact point) based on the impact force and vehicle configuration. This parameter variability enables the same bumper structure to effectively protect vehicles with different bumper bottom to frame distances without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid bumper structure is used, then the bumper provides stable protection, but it cannot effectively absorb impact energy and protect vehicles with different bumper positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorption capabilityVSAvoidprotection effectiveness across different vehicles

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper portion is designed with built-in deflection capability that acts as a cushioning mechanism before the full impact force is transmitted to the vehicle. This beforehand cushioning allows the bumper to absorb impact energy and protect vehicles with different bumper positions reliably, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple rectangular bumper design is used, then the bumper is easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide effective protection for vehicles with varying bumper configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebumper production simplicityVSAvoidcompatibility with different vehicle types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bumper is segmented into distinct functional portions: a horizontal side for contact, a vertical side for attachment, and an angled side for deflection. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity, enabling the bumper to adapt to different vehicle configurations without complex production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 provides comprehensive protection for vehicles with different bumper configurations by deflecting impacts and securely attaching to the fork members, effectively preventing damage to the front bumpers during handling operations.

Implementation Method 1

made from resilient materials like rubber to absorb impacts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first and second cavities allow an angled side of the bumper portion to deflect, when a bumper of a vehicle contacts thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10364135B1Protection bumper for a vehicle handling fork

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 S OF LUXEMBURG

AI summary

A protection bumper for a vehicle handling fork preferably includes a bumper portion and an attachment bracket. The bumper portion preferably includes the shape of a substantial right hand triangle. At least two through cavities are formed in a thickness of the bumper portion. The first and second cavities allow an angled side of the bumper portion to deflect. The attachment bracket preferably includes a C-shaped cross section. An inside width of the C-shaped cross section is sized to receive a thickness of the bumper portion. The attachment bracket is preferably attached to the bumper portion with at least one fastener. The attachment bracket may be welded to a vertical portion of a fork member of the vehicle handling fork. Alternatively, a retention strip extending from the vertical portion of the fork member is inserted into a gap between the attachment bracket and the bumper portion.