Modular Vehicle Accessory with Angled End Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicle users face challenges with carrying multiple accessories such as brush guards, levers, and ramps, which are not designed for multi-use and can lead to situations where the needed item is not available during tasks or emergencies, especially in remote areas.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-use vehicle accessory designed with modular components that can be attached and configured in various ways to serve as a brush guard, lever, ladder, or other utility structures, including the use of rectangular members, end supports, and mounting brackets, allowing for versatility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate accessories (brush guard, lever, ramp, ladder) are carried for different off-road tasks, then the vehicle is prepared for various scenarios, but the complexity of equipment and storage requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory assembly uses standardized rectangular members with universally positioned apertures that allow the same components to be configured as brush guards, levers, ramps, ladders, or bridge structures. The mounting members feature apertures at multiple angles (10° to 60° to the longitudinal direction) enabling attachment in various orientations for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is divided into modular rectangular members (first member, second member, end supports, cross members) that can be independently assembled and configured. These segmented components connect through apertures in mounting members, allowing flexible reconfiguration for different off-road tasks without requiring multiple complete accessory sets.
2Reliability
If a brush guard is permanently affixed to the vehicle front, then protection is provided, but the accessory cannot be removed for use as a lever or other tool
Solution Approach 1:
The brush guard configuration is made dynamic through removable mounting members that can be detached and reconfigured. The mounting members with apertures positioned at angles of 10° to 60° to the longitudinal direction allow the brush guard to be installed for protection, then removed and reconfigured as a lever or other tool depending on the situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The same rectangular members that form the brush guard when mounted to the vehicle front can be reconfigured as levers, ramps, ladders, or bridge structures. The universal aperture design in mounting members enables these members to serve multiple functions across different configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional items (ramps, ladders, bridges) are stored in the vehicle for various tasks, then task readiness is improved, but the vehicle requires more storage space and the user must manage multiple items
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of rectangular members with standardized apertures can be configured to replace multiple specialized accessories. The same components serve as brush guards, levers, ramps, ladders, and bridge structures, eliminating the need to transport and manage multiple separate items for different off-road tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate accessories (brush guard, lever, ramp, ladder, bridge) into a single modular accessory system. By combining these functions into one reconfigurable assembly using rectangular members and mounting members with apertures, the user reduces the quantity of items from five separate accessories to one unified system.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided. The accessory includes a first a first member and second member that are longer in the longitudinal direction than in the lateral direction. An end support is attached to both an end of the first member and to an end of the second member. The end support extends at an angle to the longitudinal direction. A cross member extends in the lateral direction and spans the distance between opposite sides of the second member.