Utility Vehicle Tool Support Assembly With Pivoting Multi-Tool Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for vehicles are limited in their ability to securely transport multiple tools or accessories, often restricting them to a single item and not optimizing the use of space within the operator area.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly featuring a mounting plate with a pivotable door and clamping mechanism, allowing for the secure retention of multiple tools or accessories by positioning them either against the plate or within a groove, enabling simultaneous support of tools with flat and rounded surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing support assemblies are used, then one tool can be retained, but the capability to support multiple tools is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate for attachment to the vehicle, a pivotable door with retention features for holding tools, and independent clamping assemblies. This segmentation allows the door and clamping mechanisms to be optimized for multi-tool support while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it provides the primary attachment interface to the vehicle, supports the pivotable door mechanism, and can directly hold tools against its surface. The door simultaneously provides retention features for tools and can be clamped to secure multiple items, making the assembly versatile for supporting various tool configurations.
2Ease of operation
If tools are transported outside operator area, then space within operator area is maximized, but secure retention of multiple tools becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to be pivotable relative to the mounting plate, allowing it to move between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability enables easy access to tools while in transport, and when closed, the door works with the clamping assembly to securely retain multiple tools during vehicle operation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention features are pre-configured on the door surface, and the clamping assembly is positioned to engage with the door and mounting plate before tools are loaded. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when tools are placed against the mounting plate or within grooves on the door, they are immediately secured, providing reliable retention without requiring additional adjustment during transport.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a simple mounting structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate various tool shapes and sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door incorporates retention features with specific local characteristics, including grooves designed to receive rounded tool surfaces and flat areas for tools with flat surfaces. The clamping assembly provides localized pressure at specific points on the door and mounting plate, creating secure retention zones that adapt to different tool shapes and sizes without requiring a completely complex overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly configured for holding at least one tool includes a first mounting plate, a door pivotable relative to the mounting plate. The door includes a retention feature. The support assembly further includes a clamping assembly configured for clamping the door to the mounting plate.