Modular Tow Coupling Mounting for Vehicle Chassis Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing towing devices for vehicles lack flexibility and adaptability to varying structural conditions of different motor vehicles and mobile homes, requiring multiple components and welding for installation, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular towing device system with a cross member, mounting fittings, and a tow coupling that allows for variable mounting positions and configurations without welding, using screw connections and adjustable components such as a ball rod and clamping cages to accommodate different vehicle sizes and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional towing devices use welded mounting brackets and fixed configurations, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The towing device is divided into separate modular components: a cross member, mounting brackets, and a towing coupling assembly. These segments can be independently configured and repositioned to adapt to different vehicle chassis, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining structural integrity through bolted connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate various vehicle types and chassis configurations. The brackets include multiple mounting holes and adjustment mechanisms that allow the same bracket design to be used across different vehicle models, enhancing versatility without compromising strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple custom components are manufactured for each vehicle type, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed as universal components with standardized interfaces and adjustment mechanisms that work across multiple vehicle types. This allows a single bracket design to serve multiple functions and fit various chassis configurations, reducing the total number of unique components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements, such as movable mounting holes and repositionable cross members, that allow the fixed components to adapt dynamically to different vehicle configurations. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for multiple custom-designed components for different vehicle types.
3Strength
If welding is used for assembly, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the welding process with a mechanical bolted connection system. The mounting brackets and cross member are assembled using high-strength bolts and fasteners, eliminating the need for welding equipment, skilled welders, and post-weld heat treatment while maintaining sufficient structural strength for towing applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The towing device is segmented into separately manufacturable components that are assembled through mechanical connections rather than welded joints. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while enabling easier assembly and disassembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed mounting positions are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adjustability to different positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets incorporate multiple pre-drilled mounting holes arranged in different positions and orientations. This dynamic configuration allows the brackets to be mounted at various positions on the vehicle chassis while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as all hole positions are prepared during bracket fabrication rather than requiring field modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for variation in mounting parameters such as position, orientation, and height by selecting different mounting holes and configurations from the standardized bracket design. This enables position adjustment capability while keeping the manufacturing process simple, as the brackets are produced with all necessary mounting options already integrated into the standard design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a towing device (1) for vehicles (10) comprising a towing coupling (2), a cross member (3), mounting brackets for attaching the cross member (3) to the vehicle (10), and a mounting unit for mounting the towing coupling (2) to the cross member (3). A mounting interface is provided and configured for the variable attachment of the cross member (3) to the mounting brackets (4). Furthermore, a mounting interface (7) is provided, which is designed and configured for the variable mounting of the towing coupling (2) in different rotational positions on the cross member (3). The mounting position of the towing coupling (2) on the cross member (3) can thus be varied as required.