Pivotable Underrun Protection Beam with Rocker Arm Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underrun protection devices for commercial vehicles require manual pivoting and often have impractical holding mechanisms that can loosen due to vibrations, restricting ground clearance and operational convenience.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rocker arm-style holding mechanism mounted on the carrier, allowing easy pivoting and secure locking of the impact beam, featuring a latching projection that engages with a latch on the chassis, and an elastic element for secure locking, facilitating easy operation and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the impact beam is positioned close to the ground for underrun protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ground clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact beam is designed to be pivotable between a lowered position (close to ground) for protection effectiveness and a raised position (greater distance from ground) for improved ground clearance. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between conflicting operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual pivoting of the impact beam is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is designed to automatically engage and lock the impact beam in the raised position without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism automatically returns the impact beam to the raised position when released, eliminating the need for continuous manual operation while maintaining simplicity.
3Reliability
If a holding device is added to secure the impact beam in raised position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device utilizes the weight of the impact beam and a spring mechanism to automatically engage and disengage the locking action. The spring-loaded design allows automatic locking in the raised position and automatic release when force is applied, eliminating the need for complex motorized or manually-operated locking mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the holding device is designed with automatic engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of unintended release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device design includes features that prevent unintended release through vibration or minor disturbances. The latching mechanism is designed to require deliberate force to disengage, while the spring mechanism maintains positive engagement during normal vehicle operation and vibration conditions.
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
Enables easy and secure movement of the impact beam between use and waiting positions with minimal effort, ensuring reliable locking and improved operational safety and convenience, even under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
elastic element (20) which exerts an elastic force by which the holding device (19) is held in the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a holding device (19), which is formed as a rocker arm and is pivotably mounted on a carrier (10) about a rocker arm pivot axis (KS) that is axially parallel to an abutment beam (12). The holding device has an actuating section (22) and a latching section (23), which protrudes from the rocker arm pivot axis in certain areas and carries a latching projection (32) at its free end. The latching projection is engaged into a latching position, in which it is detachably locked with a detent (33) formed on a component of the chassis. An independent claim is included for a commercial vehicle with a transverse profile.