Modular Vehicle Counterweight Structure for Flexible Balancing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy equipment applications often require mechanisms to provide stability and balance during various tasks, but existing solutions are not flexible or adaptable to different vehicle configurations.

Innovation Solution

A modular balancing system comprising modular weights and a holding structure that can be coupled to a vehicle's frame, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of weights to achieve balance and stability, while also accommodating wiring and other components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing balancing mechanisms are used, then stability is provided, but flexibility and adaptability to different vehicle configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different vehicle configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of balancing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The balancing system is divided into modular components: a holding structure with multiple cavities and separate modular weights that can be independently configured. Each cavity can receive different weight modules, allowing the system to be adapted to various vehicle configurations by simply rearranging the weight modules rather than redesigning the entire balancing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding structure is designed with multiple cavities and coupling mechanisms that can accommodate different weight configurations for various vehicle types. The same holding structure can serve multiple balancing scenarios by simply changing the weight modules, providing universal applicability across different heavy equipment applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular weights are added to improve flexibility, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of weight distributionVSAvoidcomplexity of holding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the balancing function into a standardized holding structure and interchangeable weight modules. The holding structure contains multiple cavities that can independently accommodate different weight modules, allowing flexible weight distribution without requiring a completely different structure for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular weights are designed to nest within the cavities of the holding structure. Each weight module fits into a designated cavity, creating a nested arrangement that provides flexible configuration while maintaining a compact and organized structure, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12539925B2Modular balancing systems for vehicles

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A modular balancing system includes one or more modular weights and a holding structure, where the holding structure includes one or more cavities configured to receive and hold the one or more modular weights, and the holding structure is configured to be coupled to the vehicle.