Quick-Change Frame with King Pin and Plastic Grid Spreader
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-change frames for commercial vehicles, particularly semitrailer tractors, are not designed for time-saving installation and do not optimize the utilization of permissible axle load, especially when equipped with spreader attachments for winter service.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change frame with a downward protruding king pin fastening element and an adjustable intermediate support for interaction with a fifth wheel coupling, combined with a lightweight spreader attachment featuring a plastic grid for weight reduction and a control device for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional quick-change frame is used for semitrailer tractors, then the frame can be mounted on the vehicle, but the installation process is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-change frame is divided into modular components: a frame structure with longitudinal and transverse members, an adjustable intermediate support with king pin, and fastening elements. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity, directly addressing the time-consuming installation problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate support is designed to be adjustable in the longitudinal direction relative to the frame construction, allowing dynamic adaptation to different semitrailer tractor configurations. This adjustability simplifies the installation process by enabling quick positioning without complex customization.
2Productivity
If traditional spreader attachments are used for winter service, then the attachments can perform their function, but they add excessive weight that reduces axle load utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The material composition of the spreader attachment is changed from traditional heavy metals to lightweight metals or plastics, significantly reducing the weight while maintaining functional performance. This parameter change directly improves axle load utilization by reducing the dead weight of the attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader attachment utilizes composite material structures, combining lightweight metals or plastics with reinforcing elements. This allows the attachment to maintain sufficient strength and durability while dramatically reducing overall weight compared to traditional solid metal constructions.
3Strength
If steel mesh covers are used for the top opening of the spreader attachment, then the covers provide structural strength, but they significantly increase the weight of the attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The cover material is changed from steel mesh to plastic grid or plastic grid elements, fundamentally altering the material parameter to reduce weight. The plastic material provides sufficient strength for the application while being significantly lighter than steel, directly resolving the weight-strength trade-off.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The quick-change frame (1) has a frame construction (2) with two longitudinal carriers (2.1) and two transverse carriers (2.2). A fastening element is provided for fixing the frame construction of the commercial vehicles. The fastening element is a pivot (3), which protrudes downwards from the level clamped by the frame construction. The pivot is formed as king pin for interaction with a fifth wheel of a tractor. A plastic grid has glass fiber reinforcement. An independent claim is also included for a quick-change frame with a wireless connection.