Under Beam Lift Assembly With Offset Pivot and Bolt-On Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under beam lift assemblies for heavy-duty vehicles require specialized technical skill and equipment for installation due to the need for welds, cause stress on pivotal connections, and lack flexibility in installation and servicing, leading to increased maintenance and downtime.
Innovation Solution
An under beam lift assembly that uses mechanical fasteners for attachment, pivots in a different axis than the pivotal connection, includes a self-retaining vacuum retention system, and can be mounted at various points during manufacturing, eliminating the need for welds and allowing for independent servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welds are used to attach the under beam lift assembly to the axle/suspension system, then the attachment strength is improved, but the installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring specialized technical skill and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using bolts and fasteners. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized welding equipment and technical skills while maintaining secure attachment of the lift assembly to the axle/suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical fastener system enables standard maintenance personnel to perform installation and removal without requiring specialized welding services. The system is designed to be serviceable with common tools, allowing facilities to maintain the equipment independently.
2Device complexity
If the under beam lift assembly is mounted to pivot about the same axis as the beam-hanger pivotal connection, then the mounting structure is simplified, but stress is increased on the bushing and pivot bolt components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally creates an asymmetric mounting arrangement where the lift assembly pivots about an axis offset from the beam-hanger pivotal connection axis. This asymmetric positioning, while slightly increasing mounting complexity, strategically distributes stresses away from the bushing and pivot bolt, preventing overload and extending component life.
3Strength
If the under beam lift assembly is rigidly attached to the beam, then the structural integrity is improved, but stress is increased on the lift assembly components during vehicle operation when unactuated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid, fixed connection to a dynamic, movable connection. The lift assembly is attached to the beam through a pivot mechanism that allows relative motion between the lift assembly and beam during vehicle operation. This dynamic connection absorbs operational stresses while maintaining structural integrity when actuated.
4Reliability
If the under beam lift assembly requires welding for installation, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming welding process with a mechanical fastening system using bolts and fasteners. This substitution maintains secure, reliable attachment while dramatically reducing installation time and eliminating the need for specialized welding equipment and personnel.
5Manufacturing precision
If the under beam lift assembly is designed with fixed mounting points, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the installation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting structure with universal, standardized fastening points that can accommodate various installation configurations. The mechanical fastener system allows the lift assembly to be securely mounted at different locations and orientations while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized mounting interfaces.
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
This solution simplifies and reduces the cost of installation, minimizes stress on pivotal connections, and enhances maintenance flexibility, reducing maintenance needs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
includes a self-retaining vacuum retention system for a lift air chamber of the under beam lift assembly that maintains the under beam lift assembly in a fully retracted state when not actuated
Data Source
AI summary
An under beam lift assembly for a heavy-duty vehicle that is removably connectable with an axle/suspension system of the heavy-duty vehicle. The under beam lift assembly includes structure that enables the lift assembly to pivot in an axis different than an axis of a pivotal connection between a suspension assembly and a hanger of the axle/suspension system. The under beam lift assembly is free of contact with the pivotal connection between the suspension assembly and the hanger of the axle/suspension system.