Slot-Engaging Anchor for Removable Vehicle Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching accessories to vehicle frames are cumbersome, particularly due to accessibility issues, deformation risks with thin-walled frames, and the permanent addition of unused components which increase weight and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An anchor with a shank and projections that fits into a slot in the frame member, preventing rotation and deformation, allowing for easy attachment and removal of components without permanently modifying the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bolt is passed through a thin-walled frame member and tightened, then the accessory is securely attached, but the frame member wall may deform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (the anchor with projection) between the bolt and the frame member. The projection engages with the slot in the frame member to provide support and distribution of clamping force, preventing direct concentration of force on the thin-walled frame member that would cause deformation, while still achieving secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If nuts or parts are permanently added to the vehicle frame during manufacturing, then accessories can be attached during the vehicle's useful life, but the vehicle's weight increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the frame member self-sufficient by incorporating the slot directly into the frame member itself. This eliminates the need for separate, permanently attached mounting plates or brackets, allowing the frame to serve its own attachment needs while maintaining weight efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into removable components (anchor, bolt, accessory) rather than being a permanent integrated structure. This allows the attachment capability to be added only when needed and removed when not in use, avoiding continuous weight penalty.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple clamps are used to surround a frame member to prevent accessory rotation, then the accessory is securely attached, but the complexity of the attachment method increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot in the frame member serves multiple functions: it guides the projection during insertion, provides a retention feature to prevent withdrawal, and acts as a rotational stop. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate clamps while achieving the same stability and anti-rotation objectives.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor for removably attaching an accessory to a frame member having an outer surface and a slot defined in the outer surface. The anchor comprises a body that has a surface that is generally complementary in shape to a portion of the outer surface of the frame member that surrounds the slot, a shank that from the surface, the shank being sized to be received in the slot and defining an aperture extending from a free end of the shank toward the surface. The aperture is adapted to receive a fastener. The anchor also includes at least one projection extending from a side of the shank. A vehicle having the frame member and the anchor is provided. A method of attaching a component to a frame member using the anchor is provided.