Modular Light Bracket Assembly for Adjustable Vehicle Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light bracket groups for industrial vehicles are either complex and expensive to manufacture due to custom molds required for different sizes, or they are heavy and prone to vibrations, noise, and maintenance issues due to non-modular and non-adjustable designs.
Innovation Solution
A modular light bracket group comprising side modules with C-shaped sections and a central module with hooking appendages, allowing for adjustable and quick assembly, direct chassis fixation of side modules, and elastic deformation for secure hooking, reducing vibrations and enabling easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single-piece light bracket group is manufactured by moulding, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to custom molds required for different vehicle widths
Solution Approach 1:
The light bracket group is divided into a central structural portion and two side portions that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation allows the use of standard molds for the central portion while accommodating different vehicle widths through adjustable side portions, thereby reducing mould complexity and cost.
2Strength
If the central structural portion is made sturdy to support the plate and lighting devices, then the support strength is improved, but the overall weight of the group increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central structural portion is designed with localized reinforcement only where needed to support the plate and lighting devices, rather than making the entire structure uniformly heavy. The side portions can be made lighter since they have different structural requirements, achieving optimal strength-to-weight ratio through differentiated design.
3Weight of moving object
If the side portions are made lightweight and flexible, then the weight is reduced, but the vibrations and noise increase during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The side portions are pre-equipped with adjustment mechanisms and damping elements that can be configured before assembly to optimize vibration reduction. This preliminary preparation allows the lightweight side portions to be tuned to minimize vibrations and noise during vehicle travel.
4Manufacturing precision
If specific sizes of side portions are fixed to the central portion in a non-adjustable manner, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicle widths decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the side portions and central structural portion is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed. The side portions can be positioned at different distances from the central portion and secured at multiple possible positions, allowing the same components to adapt to different vehicle widths while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution provides a lightweight, modular, and adjustable light bracket group that reduces vibrations, noise, and maintenance complexity, allowing for individual module replacement and quick assembly, adapting to various vehicle widths without the need for custom molds.
Implementation Method 1
elastic deformation for secure hooking
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A light bracket group (4) for industrial vehicles, comprising a pair of side modules (8, 12) having a main transverse extension (X-X), said side modules (8, 12) supporting at least one light having signalling and/or lighting functions of the industrial vehicle, a central module (20) arranged in an intermediate and contiguous position with respect to said side modules (8, 12), the central module (20) supporting an identification plate of the industrial vehicle. Each side module (8, 12) is provided with fixing means to a chassis of the industrial vehicle, wherein the central module (20) is fixed to the side modules (8, 12) by removable fixing means (28).