Vehicle Lift Adapter Assembly for Secure Frame Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift devices for vehicles lack a versatile and efficient adapter system that can securely engage with various vehicle frames, limiting their effectiveness in providing stable lifting solutions.
Innovation Solution
The adapter assembly includes a combination of plates and a tubular member, designed to fit around a vehicle's frame, with apertures and fasteners that allow for secure coupling to the frame, and a cross member that engages with a lift device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple lift device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different vehicle frames is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with multiple plates (first plate, second plate) and multiple apertures that can accommodate different frame configurations. The same adapter assembly can be used with various vehicle frames by selectively positioning the plates and using different aperture combinations, making the lift device universally applicable to different vehicle types without requiring multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly is divided into separate components including first plate, second plate, and tubular member that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for different frame geometries while maintaining overall structural integrity and lifting capability.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling system with multiple fasteners is used, then the reliability of vehicle lifting is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly combines multiple fastening functions into an integrated structure where the first plate, second plate, and tubular member work together as a unified coupling system. The multiple apertures in each plate can accommodate various fastener types, and the recesses provide structural support, merging attachment and structural functions into single components rather than separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the vehicle frame and the lift device cross member. It provides a standardized interface with multiple aperture options that can accommodate different fastener configurations, mediating between the varied frame geometries and the standardized lift device attachment points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a recess structure is added to receive frame portions, then the adaptability to different frame configurations is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses are pre-formed in the first plate and second plate during manufacturing, creating ready-to-receive features for various frame portions. This preliminary formation of recesses with appropriate geometries allows the adapter to accommodate different frame configurations without requiring additional field modifications or complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The recesses are designed with dimensional parameters that can accommodate a range of frame portion sizes and shapes. By varying the recess dimensions and positions in the plate designs, the adapter can adapt to different frame configurations while maintaining consistent manufacturing processes using standard fabrication techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter assembly includes an adapter, a fastener, and a cross member. The adapter includes a first plate defining a first aperture and a second aperture, and a second plate defining a third aperture and a fourth aperture. The second plate is spaced from the first plate such that a recess is positioned therebetween. The recess is configured to receive a portion of a frame of a vehicle such that the first aperture and the third aperture align with a frame aperture defined by the portion of the frame. The fastener is selectively insertable through the first aperture of the first plate, the second aperture of the second plate, and the frame aperture to couple the adapter to the portion of the frame. The cross member is selectively insertable through the second aperture and the fourth aperture. The cross member is configured to engage with a lift device.