Modular Counterweight with Repositionable Arms for Vehicle Weight Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional counterweight systems for vehicles increase overall weight, decrease maneuverability, and reduce storage space, while fixed orientations can hinder serviceability and ground clearance.
Innovation Solution
A modular counterweight system that is selectively repositionable, adjustable, and adaptable, allowing it to be pivotally, extensionally, or translationally repositioned relative to the vehicle, with the ability to increase or decrease weight by adding/removing counterweights, thereby optimizing the vehicle's center of gravity and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional counterweight is permanently installed on a vehicle, then the vehicle gains increased towing capacity and stability, but the overall vehicle weight increases, reducing maneuverability and fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system transitions from a static, permanently installed configuration to a dynamic, repositionable system. The counterweight can be moved between different positions (extended, retracted, elevated, lowered) depending on whether towing capacity or maneuverability is the priority, allowing the vehicle to adapt its weight distribution in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system is divided into separable components that can be independently positioned and configured. The counterweight can be detached from the vehicle entirely when not needed, or positioned at various locations along the vehicle frame, allowing flexible weight management rather than a fixed monolithic installation
2Ease of manufacture
If a counterweight is permanently installed in a fixed position, then the structure is simple and robust, but serviceability is hindered and ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system incorporates movable components with adjustable positions along the vehicle frame. During service operations, the counterweight can be repositioned to a stowed location that provides adequate ground clearance and access to underlying components, while maintaining structural integrity through guided movement paths and secure mounting positions
3Stability of the object's composition
If a counterweight is permanently installed, then the vehicle has consistent weight distribution, but storage space and ground clearance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight system can dynamically adjust its position and configuration based on operational needs. When storage space or ground clearance is required, the counterweight can be repositioned to an elevated or retracted position, or completely removed from the vehicle, thereby freeing up space without compromising the vehicle's structural integrity
4Ease of operation
If a counterweight system is made repositionable and adjustable, then maneuverability and serviceability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates movable components with guided paths and secure locking positions, allowing the counterweight to be repositioned between predefined locations rather than requiring continuous adjustment. This reduces the complexity of control mechanisms while still providing the benefits of adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system is designed to be easily repositioned and adjusted by the vehicle operator without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. Simple manual or automated mechanisms allow the operator to move the counterweight between positions independently, reducing the need for external service intervention
Data Source
AI summary
A counterweight system includes a bracket and a counterweight. The bracket includes a base configured to couple to a vehicle and at least one arm extending from the base. The counterweight is coupled to the at least one arm. The counterweight is configured to be at least one of (i) pivotally repositionable, (ii) extensionally repositionable, and (iii) translationally repositionable relative to the vehicle.