Polygonal Vehicle Accessory Support Elements for Easier Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular support elements with tubular configurations face challenges in ease of removably attaching accessories, inefficiencies in packaging, and mechanical property inconsistencies across different portions of the tube.
Innovation Solution
A support element with a polygonal cross-sectional profile, specifically an irregular octagon, that allows for uniform wall thickness and efficient manufacturing, enabling retrofitting with conventional attachment mechanisms and reducing dead-space during packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional circular cross-sectional support elements are used, then the structural integrity and mechanical properties are maintained, but the ease of removably attaching accessories deteriorates due to the arcuate profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a symmetric circular cross-section to an asymmetric polygonal cross-section (specifically octagonal or rectangular with rounded corners). This asymmetric shape provides flat surfaces that are easier to attach accessories to, while maintaining structural integrity through the polygonal geometry that distributes stresses effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing flat surfaces at specific locations on the support element where accessories need to be attached, while other portions of the support element maintain curved or rounded characteristics for structural strength. The polygonal cross-section creates localized flat areas without compromising the overall structural integrity of the element.
2Productivity
If conventional circular cross-sectional support elements are used, then the mechanical properties are consistent, but the packaging efficiency deteriorates due to increased dead-space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature in a practical sense by using a polygonal cross-section with rounded corners rather than sharp edges. This rounded polygonal shape allows the support elements to nest more efficiently during packaging, reducing dead-space and improving packaging efficiency while maintaining the structural benefits of a near-circular overall form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support elements with differing mechanical properties across portions are desired, then the functional requirements are met, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a polygonal cross-section where different portions of the element have different geometric characteristics (flat surfaces versus curved transitions) that provide different mechanical properties locally. This allows the support element to have enhanced attachment surfaces in specific areas while maintaining structural integrity in other areas, all achieved through a single integrated manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A support element for a vehicle accessory or for a vehicle track system, the support element comprising: an elongate body defining a hollow passage therein, the elongate body having a plurality of faces such that a transverse cross-sectional profile of the elongate body across a longitudinal axis of the elongate body has a polygonal configuration, a wall thickness of each face being uniform.