Quick-Release Grill Guard Latch for Pivoting Truck Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trucks, particularly semi-trucks and tractor trailers, are vulnerable to grill damage from collisions with hazards on the road, leading to significant repair costs, and existing grill protection solutions are either ineffective or costly.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release grill guard system with a hinge, latching mechanism, and vehicle coupling system that allows easy rotation and attachment to vehicle tow points, using a latching pin and spring mechanism for secure locking and quick release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grill guard is installed to protect the grill from damage, then the grill protection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grill guard system is divided into separate modular components: a grill guard assembly, a vehicle coupling assembly, and a latching system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The grill guard incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic movement between a closed protective position and an open removed position. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between providing grill protection and being completely removable, simplifying the overall system design compared to fixed installations.
2Reliability
If a secure latching mechanism is used to ensure grill guard stability, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation for quick release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system uses a removable latching pin that can be easily extracted from the clasping member. This extraction mechanism allows the operator to quickly release the grill guard by simply removing the pin, providing both secure attachment when engaged and easy release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching pin acts as an intermediary element between the clasping member and the clasped member. It provides a simple mechanical interface that secures the connection when in place but can be easily removed to release the grill guard, bridging the need for both security and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is implemented to allow rotation of the grill guard, then the ease of operation for adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is integrated directly into the vehicle coupling assembly, merging the rotation function with the mounting structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate hinge components and reduces overall system complexity while still providing the desired rotational adjustment capability.
4Ease of operation
If a quick release system is used to enable easy removal of the grill guard, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of secure attachment during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching pin is designed to be easily extracted from the clasping member, providing a simple one-action release mechanism. When the pin is in place, it ensures secure attachment; when extracted, it allows immediate removal, thus achieving both quick release capability and reliable attachment during use.
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 system effectively protects the grill from damage while being easy to install and remove, reducing repair costs and maintaining vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a latching system comprising a clasped member and a clasping member, wherein the clasping member is constructed and arranged to be releasably engaged with the clasped member to allow for free rotation of the grill coupling portion from the vehicle coupling portion
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to a quick release grill guard further comprising at least one latching system configured for the quick release and pivot of the grill guard away from the vehicle grill face. The quick release grill guard may comprises a vehicle coupling portion, a clasped member an elongate bar and a clasping member. The clasping member may be constructed and arranged to be releasably engaged with the clasped member. Further, actuation of the elongate bar may cause the clasping member and clasped member to disengage.