Pivotable Load Stabilizing Insert for Pickup Truck Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup trucks and other motor vehicles experience poor handling when carrying heavy loads or towing trailers due to exceeding design load limits, leading to a need for a cost-effective and easily installable load stabilizing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A load stabilizing insert is designed to be affixed to existing motor vehicles, featuring pivotable contact plates that engage with the vehicle's spring pack to redistribute load, using commonly available materials and a straightforward installation process, allowing for improved handling characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heavy loads are carried or trailers are towed, then the vehicle's load capacity is increased, but the handling and stability deteriorate due to exceeding design load limits
Solution Approach 1:
The load stabilizing insert acts as an intermediary component between the overload spring and the spring pack. It includes a bottom plate attached to the overload spring and contact plates that engage with the spring pack, transferring and redistributing the excessive load to improve handling stability while maintaining increased load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The insert changes the engagement parameters of the spring system by resetting the contact point between the overload spring and spring pack. This modifies the load distribution characteristics of the suspension system, allowing stable handling even when carrying heavy loads beyond the original design limits
2Stability of the object's composition
If sophisticated load stabilizing systems are implemented, then handling stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load stabilizing system is segmented into simple, discrete components: a bottom plate, contact plates, and pivot pins. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while keeping the overall system simple and easy to understand
Solution Approach 2:
The contact plates are designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position based on load conditions. This dynamic capability improves handling stability without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 3:
The insert uses commonly available, inexpensive materials such as steel plates and standard pivot pins. These simple components can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, avoiding the need for expensive, complex stabilization systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex installation procedures are used, then precise load stabilization is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate is pre-attached to the overload spring before installation in the vehicle. This preliminary assembly simplifies the installation process, as the main component is already prepared and only needs to be mounted to the vehicle frame
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable contact plates automatically adjust their engagement position based on the spring pack's movement and load conditions. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or precise positioning during installation
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 load stabilizing inserts effectively enhance the handling of loaded vehicles by resetting the engagement point of the overload springs, providing improved stability and handling performance without requiring significant modifications or costly components.
Implementation Method 1
a lower overload spring (24) of a right or left spring pack (26)
Data Source
AI summary
Load stabilizing inserts for a motor vehicle. The inserts include a base plate, a top plate spaced apart from and angularly pivotable with respect to the base plate, and one or more contact plates. The insert is sized and shaped for insertion between an overload spring and a spring pack in a motor vehicle such as a pickup truck. Four load stabilizing inserts may be installed to provide stable operation of the pickup truck when loaded at or near the maximum design gross operating weight of the vehicle. During those periods when the truck is not loaded, such as when a truck camper is not installed, the load stabilizing inserts may be angularly adjusted and secured in an open, non-working position, to provide a relatively soft ride during such position.