Underride Barrier Adjustable Stop Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing underride protection devices for load transport vehicles face challenges in accommodating varying rear frame geometries and limited space, making it difficult to provide a uniform solution that optimally utilizes available space, especially for vehicles like rear tipper vehicles where space is restricted.

Innovation Solution

The underride protection device features an adjustable locking mechanism with a base holding element and a pivoting lever, allowing the locking bolt and recess to be fixed in various positions, enabling the underride protection barrier to be adjusted for optimal positioning relative to the vehicle frame, thus accommodating different vehicle configurations and space constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed locking mechanism is used for the underride protection barrier, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different vehicle frame geometries and space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle configurationsVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed with adjustable components that allow the barrier to be locked at multiple positions along its pivoting path. The locking device includes a locking element that can engage with different locking positions on the pivoting lever, enabling adaptation to various vehicle frame geometries and space constraints while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting arrangement is designed to be universally applicable to different load transport vehicles. The base holding element and pivoting lever combination with multiple locking positions creates a multi-functional system that can accommodate various rear frame configurations, making a single device type suitable for different vehicle makes and models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the underride protection barrier is positioned close to the vehicle frame to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency improves, but the barrier may interfere with vehicle operations requiring rear access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization in rear areaVSAvoidaccessibility of rear area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The underride protection barrier is designed to pivot between a secured position (blocking the rear area for safety) and a release position (allowing access for operations). The adjustable locking mechanism enables the barrier to be positioned at optimal locations in between these extremes, balancing space utilization with operational accessibility based on specific vehicle requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the locking bolt and recess are fixed in specific positions, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the adaptability to different vehicle types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking position precisionVSAvoidcompatibility with different vehicle makes and models
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into multiple discrete locking positions along the pivoting lever. Instead of a single fixed locking point, the system provides multiple predetermined locking positions that can be selected based on the specific vehicle configuration, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the locking position parameter along the pivoting lever's path. By providing multiple discrete locking positions rather than a single fixed position, the system maintains precise manufacturing tolerances for each position while offering variability to accommodate different vehicle types and frame geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3064403B1Underride barrier with an adjustable stop
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 FRANZ XAVER MEILLER FAHRZEUG UND MASCHINENFABRIK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3064403B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3064403B1 patent drawingFigure 2~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an underride protection device for a freight vehicle, comprising a horizontal underride protection barrier (2) and a mounting device (4) for attaching the underride protection barrier (2) to the vehicle frame, wherein the underride protection barrier (2) is pivotable between a locking position and a release position, and wherein the mounting device (4) has a locking device (20) by means of which the underride protection barrier (2) can be locked in a specific pivot position, a base mounting element (8), and a pivot lever (12) arranged on the base mounting element (8) on which the underride protection barrier (2) is arranged, wherein the locking device (20) has a locking bolt device (22) with a movable locking bolt (24) and a locking recess (40) for receiving the locking bolt (24) in a specific pivot position of the underride protection barrier (2) in order to lock the pivot lever (12).wherein one of the locking means (24, 40) is provided on the pivot lever (12) and the other on an adapter element (44) which is arranged on the base holding element (8) and can be fixed in various adjustment positions, wherein the locking means (40 or 24) provided on the base holding element (8) is positioned in each adjustment position of the adapter element (44) such that it can be engaged with the other locking means (24 or 40) in order to lock the pivot lever (12).