Modular Body Locking Lever for Commercial Vehicle Chassis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial vehicles lack a secure and efficient mechanism for mounting and removing removable bodies, leading to safety concerns and limited adaptability for different body models, as current solutions rely on manual intervention and makeshift fixing methods without mechanical locking.
Innovation Solution
A utility vehicle design featuring a chassis with a temporary assembly device that includes locking levers and a secure access control system, allowing for easy and safe mounting and removal of removable bodies using a forklift, with locking levers biased to secure the body to the chassis at three points and a sliding mechanism for secure access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fixing links are used to mount the van on the chassis, then the assembly process is simple, but the safety and reliability of the connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever system automatically engages and locks the van to the chassis when the forklift inserts the forks into the fork pockets. The lever pivots under its own weight or spring force to engage the locking position, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring reliable mechanical locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical fixing links with an automated locking lever system that uses the forklift's own forks as the actuating mechanism. The locking lever converts the linear motion of the forklift forks into rotational motion to engage the lock, providing both automation and enhanced reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the van can be easily removed using a forklift, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever acts as an intermediary mechanism between the forklift forks and the van-chassis connection. It requires the forklift to be in the correct position and orientation to activate the locking mechanism, thereby preventing unauthorized or accidental removal while maintaining operational flexibility for authorized forklift operations.
3Reliability
If the fixing mechanism is specifically adapted for a particular van model, then the connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different body models is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lever system is designed with universal compatibility to work with different van models and body types. The fork pockets are positioned and dimensioned to accommodate standard forklift forks, allowing the same locking mechanism to securely attach various body models (tankers, refrigerated units, flatbeds, etc.) to the chassis without requiring model-specific adaptations.
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 quick, safe, and secure attachment and detachment of removable bodies, ensuring rigid anchoring and preventing unauthorized removal, while allowing for easy adaptation to different body models and functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
the levers being elastically biased to occupy, in the absence of the forks, a position of assembly of the bodywork with the chassis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a chassis (2) defining a cabin and a platform for receiving a removable body {3} having a front portion, a rear portion (9), two side portions and a bottom having two bearing surfaces (7i) for the forks of a handling device, extending mutually parallel and defining in part two fork passages (18), the vehicle comprising a temporary assembly device (30) between the chassis (2) and the body (3). According to the invention: the body (2) comprises two fork passages (18) leading to the rear portion (9) of the body (3), the temporary assembly device (30) comprises: for each fork passage (18), a locking lever (31) pivotably mounted on the chassis (2) and operated in a direction so as to occupy a retracted position releasing the assembly between the body and the chassis and controlled in an opposite direction, so as to occupy a position of assembly to the body (3) with the chassis (2), a locking system (33) between the body (3) and the chassis (2), comprising a control having a secure access.