Tool Mounting Device with Pivotal Support for Vehicle Hitch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool mounting systems, such as vices, face instability and inadequate workspace when mounted on vehicles due to lack of secure attachment points, leading to lateral and vertical instability, and exposure to the environment when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A tool mounting device with a base having parallel flanges and a tool support that allows selective pivotal motion, featuring a biasing member and arm structures with lip portions for secure tool support, providing a stable and compact mounting solution with adequate workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vice is mounted on a vehicle using a trailer hitch structure, then the tool can be transported on the vehicle, but the mount becomes laterally and vertically unstable due to cantilevering the tool mount far from the hitch
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-point hitch mount to a multi-point mounting system using two parallel base flanges that extend transversely from the vehicle. This dimensional change from one attachment point to two creates a stable triangular mounting geometry that eliminates lateral and vertical instability while maintaining adaptability for various tool mounting needs.
2Area of stationary object
If a large area is provided around a vice for workspace, then work objects can be accommodated and trades-person can move about, but the mounting structure becomes less compact and more difficult to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the mounting structure into distinct functional components: base flanges for secure attachment, tool support arms for tool mounting, and lip portions for tool positioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base flanges provide compact secure mounting while the tool support extends to provide adequate workspace, reducing overall structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a tool support structure is extended far from the vehicle hitch, then tool accessibility is improved, but lateral and vertical instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the secure attachment function at the base flanges mounted close to the vehicle, while allowing the tool support arms to extend outward for accessibility. The base flanges provide localized stability through parallel transverse mounting, while the tool support arms provide localized accessibility without compromising overall mount stability.
4Area of stationary object
If a compact footprint is achieved for the mounting device, then space efficiency is improved, but adequate workspace for work objects and around the tool may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates dynamic elements through the tool support arms that can pivot and adjust position. This allows the mounting device to maintain a compact footprint when not in use while providing adequate workspace when deployed. The tool support arms can be positioned to accommodate work objects and provide trading-person access without requiring a permanently large mounting structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device ensures robust and secure tool mounting with a compact footprint, allowing for stable operation and easy adjustment of tool position, while maintaining a clear workspace and protecting tools from environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member may be connected between one of the base flanges and the tool support
Data Source
AI summary
A tool mounting device may have a base having a first base flange and a second base flange extending therefrom. A tool support may be connected to the first and second base flanges where the tool support may be adapted for selective pivotal motion with respect to the first and second base flanges. The tool support may have a first arm and a second arm and the arms may be connected by an arm base. The arms may also be adapted to support a tool thereon. A biasing member may be connected between one of the base flanges and the tool support.