UTV Accessory Mount Distributes Torsion to Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) are inadequate in distributing torsional stresses, potentially causing damage to the vehicle's frame when heavy implements like scraper blades or cranes are attached, as they are not designed to handle torsion, vertical bending, or large stresses, leading to unintended strain on the trailer hitch and chassis.
Innovation Solution
An attachment device that connects to the trailer hitch tube and suspension posts of the UTV, using a saddle and adapter brackets to distribute torsion stresses to the suspension system, thereby reducing the load on the hitch receiver tube and chassis, ensuring that stresses are absorbed by the vehicle's suspension without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heavy implements like scraper blades or cranes are attached to the trailer hitch, then the utility value of the UTV is improved, but the trailer hitch and chassis may be damaged due to torsional stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting device as an intermediary component between the implement and the UTV frame. This device includes a channel member that straddles the trailer hitch and connects to the suspension system, serving as a mediator that transfers torsional loads to the suspension rather than directly to the hitch receiver or chassis, thus protecting the structural integrity while enabling heavy implement attachment
2Reliability
If the mounting device connects to the suspension posts and control arms, then torsion stresses are distributed to the suspension system, but the complexity of the mounting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device utilizes the dynamic characteristics of the suspension system by connecting to moving components such as control arms and suspension posts. The channel member is designed to work with the suspension's range of motion, allowing the mounting device to adapt to vehicle movement while distributing torsional loads effectively through the dynamic suspension system rather than requiring a static, overly complex structure
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment device is mounted to a utility terrain vehicle for supporting a working accessory to the utility terrain vehicle. The attachment device has a saddle formed therein straddling the trailer hitch receiver tube of the utility terrain vehicle, and a pair of adapter brackets mounted thereto on respective side of the saddle. The adapter brackets are configured for mounting to the rear suspension posts of the vehicle and to the pivot bolts of the upper and lower control arms of the rear suspension of the vehicle. The attachment device reinforces the connection of the hitch receiver tube to the chassis of the vehicle. Any torsion stress applied to the attachment device is transmitted directly to the suspension of the vehicle, whereby a rolling of the vehicle is a direct indication of the torsion applied to the vehicle by the accessory being used.