Vehicle Attachment Device with Asymmetric Cross-Bar Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for vehicles are prone to damage during salvaging operations due to the application of asymmetrical forces, which can lead to increased damage to the vehicle's chassis frame.
Innovation Solution
An improved attachment system featuring a cross-bar support element with a semi-open recess for the cross-bar, a chassis coupler element with a non-circular cross-section to prevent rotation, and a clamping mechanism to secure the attachment device to the chassis, providing stability and resistance to torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tow rings and screw joints are used for attaching external components to the vehicle chassis, then the attachment system is simple in structure, but the chassis frame is vulnerable to damage from asymmetrical forces during salvaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is divided into multiple functional elements: a connection element for the external component, a chassis fixation element for securing to the chassis, a cross-bar fastening element, and a cross-bar support element. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while distributing the asymmetric forces across multiple attachment points, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention explicitly addresses asymmetrical forces by designing the attachment system to handle distributed asymmetric forces during salvaging operations. The cross-bar support element and its positioning are specifically configured to resist the torsional moments generated by asymmetrical loading conditions, converting the asymmetric problem into a design feature rather than a vulnerability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a cross-bar is attached to interconnect attachment devices, then the structural integrity is improved, but the cross-bar may rotate or shift under asymmetric loads
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-bar support element features a semi-open recess with an inner profile that matches the cross-bar outline, creating an asymmetric fit that prevents rotation and shifting. This asymmetric geometric constraint stabilizes the cross-bar under asymmetric loads without requiring complex fastening mechanisms, as the shape itself provides the stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-bar support element acts as an intermediary between the cross-bar and the attachment device. The semi-open recess receives and supports the cross-bar, providing a stable interface that prevents unwanted movement while allowing for controlled assembly. This intermediary element simplifies the overall fastening mechanism by providing a self-stabilizing connection.
3Ease of operation
If the opening for the cross-bar is fully open, then the cross-bar can be easily inserted, but the support and stability are insufficient under load
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-open recess is designed to receive and nest the cross-bar within its structure. The recess provides a partial enclosure that guides and supports the cross-bar during insertion and maintains stable positioning under load. This nesting arrangement combines the ease of insertion (like a simple opening) with the stability of a enclosed fit, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system for attaching an external component to a chassis of a vehicle, such as components for performing snow clearance, road measurements, road surface marking assemblies, transport of vehicles or gear, including salvaging work and transport of heavy-duty vehicles is disclosed. The attachment system includes a connection element for interconnecting with the external component, a cross-bar fastening element for fastening a cross-bar to the attachment device, and a cross-bar support element arranged to support the cross-bar when fixated to the attachment device.