Subframe Hook Block and Knuckle Joint for Chassis Separation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy equipment subframes, such as those in truck-mounted cranes, face challenges in controlling separation from the chassis due to transferred forces, as traditional methods like welding shear plates to box beams are time-consuming, costly, and inflexible, especially when design changes occur.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a hook block welded to the subframe, a plate fastened to the chassis with knuckles that overlap the hook block, allowing for flexible positioning and attachment without welding, using high-strength alloy steel to resist transverse and normal movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the shear plate is welded to the subframe, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase, and repositioning becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate components: the shear plate remains separate from the subframe, connected instead through knuckles that engage with the subframe's outboard side. This segmentation eliminates the need for welding while maintaining structural integrity through mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Knuckles serve as intermediary elements between the shear plate and the subframe. These knuckles provide a mechanical connection that replaces welding, allowing the shear plate to be securely attached without direct welding to the subframe, thereby reducing manufacturing time and enabling repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the shear plate is welded to the subframe, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate design changes and repositioning is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidrepositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static welded joint to a dynamic, adjustable mechanical connection. The knuckle-based system allows the shear plate to be repositioned along the subframe's outboard side, providing adaptability for design changes while maintaining secure connection through mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The knuckles are pre-positioned on the subframe's outboard side, allowing the shear plate to be easily attached at different locations without requiring welding. This preliminary arrangement of connection points enables flexible repositioning to accommodate various design requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the shear plate is welded to the subframe, then the structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the manufacturing process and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical connection system using knuckles and engagement features. This substitution eliminates the complexity of welding operations, including surface preparation, welding execution, and post-weld cleaning and painting, while maintaining structural integrity through robust mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The knuckle components are designed as simpler, more easily manufactured parts compared to welded joints. These mechanical connection elements can be produced more quickly and with less complexity, reducing overall manufacturing cost and time while providing sufficient structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If the shear plate is welded to the subframe, then the connection reliability is improved, but the flexibility to accommodate customer requirements and design changes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The knuckle-based connection system serves multiple functions: it provides secure mechanical connection, enables repositioning, and accommodates various design configurations. This universal connection mechanism can adapt to different customer requirements and design changes without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for changes in the position parameter of the shear plate along the subframe's outboard side. By modifying the location where knuckles engage with the subframe, the design can be adapted to meet different customer requirements while maintaining reliable mechanical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11753083B2Apparatus and system for controlling separation of a subframe from a chassis frame rail

Publication Date: 2023.09.12 CUSTOM TRUCK ONE SOURCE INC

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus for restricting movement between a first structural member and a second structural member. The apparatus includes a hook block welded in position to the first structural member as well as a plate fastened to the second structural member with fasteners. The apparatus also includes a least one knuckle, wherein, the knuckle is pre-welded to the plate and overlaps and engages the hook block restricting movement of the first structural member relative to the second structural member.