Truck Front End Attachment Mount for Tapered Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truck front end attachment mounts are labor-intensive and expensive to install, particularly on non-standard chassis like Kenworth's tapered chassis, and lack versatility to support various truck classes and accessories effectively.
Innovation Solution
A truck front end attachment mount system comprising a front member and a distribution member that spreads downward forces across the chassis, allowing for quick and cost-effective installation on different chassis widths, including tapered ones, using a U-shaped front member and metal plate distribution member attached to major truck structural components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional front frame bracket packages are used on non-standard tapered chassis, then the attachment mount can be installed, but the installation becomes labor-intensive and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mount is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate multiple chassis types including standard and non-standard tapered chassis. The mount system uses standardized mounting points and adaptable bracket designs that work across different truck classes (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8), eliminating the need for custom installation procedures for each chassis variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mount is divided into separate components including the main mount body, distribution members, and attaching members that can be independently positioned and secured. This segmentation allows for flexible adaptation to different chassis configurations while maintaining simple installation procedures, as each component can be installed separately using standard fastening methods.
2Strength
If heavy-duty attachment mounts are designed to support thousands of pounds of force, then strength is improved, but the mount becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution member incorporates curved and angled surfaces that optimize force distribution across the chassis mounting points. The angled rear surface and curved contours of the distribution member create efficient stress pathways that redirect downward forces from the attachment through the chassis structure, allowing the mount to handle heavy loads with reduced material mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mount system utilizes different material properties in various components to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The use of metal plates with strategic reinforcement zones and selective material distribution allows the structure to withstand thousands of pounds of force while keeping overall weight under 100 pounds, with preferred embodiments under 75 pounds.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional attachment mounts are designed for standard chassis, then manufacturing is simpler, but they cannot be used with non-standard tapered chassis
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mount incorporates adjustable and adaptable geometric features including angled surfaces and configurable mounting positions that can accommodate varying chassis widths and configurations. The distribution member's angled rear surface and the front member's configurable positioning allow the same manufactured component to adapt to both standard and tapered chassis without requiring different manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount design incorporates variable geometric parameters such as adjustable angles, configurable mounting hole positions, and adaptable dimensions that allow a single manufactured component to fit multiple chassis types. The distribution member's angled surfaces and the front member's positioning capabilities enable parameter adjustment to match different chassis specifications while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member. The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.