Multi-Position Wheel Mount for Vehicle Rear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wheel mounts typically allow only a single mounting position for a spare tire, which can compromise visibility, ground clearance, and trailer hitch usability, especially when the mount is positioned at the rear of a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position wheel mount design featuring a mounting plate with posts and apertures that allow the wheel to be secured in two or more positions, enabling flexible placement based on vehicle usage without the need for complex locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the spare tire is mounted at a high position on the vehicle rear, then the driver's visibility through the rear window is improved, but the ground clearance of the vehicle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mount is designed with multiple aperture positions that allow dynamic repositioning of the wheel between a first position (higher, better visibility) and a second position (lower, better ground clearance). The mount can be adjusted based on operating conditions, transforming a static single-position mount into a dynamic multi-position system.
2Length of stationary object
If the spare tire is mounted at a low position on the vehicle rear, then the ground clearance of the vehicle is improved, but the driver's visibility through the rear window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mount provides dynamic adjustability between positions. When ground clearance is prioritized, the wheel can be mounted in the second (lower) position. When visibility is prioritized, the wheel can be mounted in the first (higher) position. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the spare tire is mounted in a position that does not cover the trailer hitch, then the trailer hitch usability is improved, but the wheel mount structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel mount is designed with multiple aperture positions that serve dual purposes: they enable repositioning of the wheel to avoid trailer hitch coverage while using a relatively simple mount structure. The mounting plate with multiple apertures and adjustable positioning mechanism provides versatility, allowing the same mount to accommodate both wheel mounting and trailer hitch accessibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to mount a wheel in multiple positions on a vehicle body. An example apparatus includes a bracket having a first post extending therefrom and an aperture spaced from the first post, the first post to slidably receive one of a plurality of fastener apertures in a vehicle wheel, the aperture of the bracket to receive a fastener extending through a respective other one of the fastener apertures to hold the wheel to a vehicle body in at least two different positions.