Vehicle Attachment System Radial Force Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for vehicles are prone to damage during salvaging operations due to asymmetric forces, which can cause further damage to the chassis frame, especially during heavy-duty operations like salvaging heavy vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system featuring an elongated chassis coupler element with a fastening mechanism, a distance element, and a clamping mechanism that provides a rigid connection to distribute forces radially and prevent rotation, using non-circular cross-sections to secure the coupler element to the chassis, thereby enhancing stability and resistance to torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tow rings with screw joints are used for attaching external components to the chassis, then the attachment system is simple to implement, but the chassis frame is vulnerable to damage from asymmetric forces during salvaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple components: a coupler element with receiving connection means, a distance element with clamping mechanism, and fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the coupler element provides attachment points, the distance element controls positioning and distributes forces, and the fastening mechanism secures the assembly. This modular approach enhances reliability under asymmetric forces while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance element is designed with an asymmetric clamping mechanism that applies differential clamping forces on opposite sides of the coupler element. This asymmetric design allows the system to better handle asymmetric external forces during salvaging operations by creating counterbalancing internal forces, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive structural complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupler element is allowed to rotate freely in the distance element, then the attachment system is easier to assemble, but the connection becomes unstable under torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler element is pre-oriented during assembly by using the clearance fit to guide initial insertion, then the clamping mechanism is activated to lock the position. This preliminary guidance followed by securement allows easy initial assembly while ensuring stable connection under torsional forces during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a loose clearance fit during assembly to a tightly clamped connection during operation. The clamping mechanism changes the physical state of the connection from movable to fixed, providing ease of assembly initially and stability under load during salvaging operations.
3Strength
If the second end portion of the coupler element is inserted deeply into the distance element, then the connection strength increases, but the risk of loosening under asymmetric forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance element features a localized clamping mechanism that applies concentrated clamping force at specific points on the coupler element. This localized quality approach provides strong connection where needed while allowing the rest of the inserted portion to maintain position without excessive stress, preventing loosening under asymmetric forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance element acts as an intermediary component between the coupler element and the external forces. It provides a controlled interface that distributes asymmetric forces through its clamping mechanism, preventing direct transmission of loosening forces to the connection between the coupler element and chassis.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid connection is created between the distance element and chassis, then the distribution of radial forces is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single assembly operation: it secures the distance element to the chassis, positions the coupler element, and enables force distribution. This merging of functions achieves rigid connection and improved force distribution while minimizing the number of separate components and assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system is provided 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. The attachment system includes at least an elongated chassis coupler element, a fastening mechanism for fastening the chassis coupler element to the chassis when in a mounted position, a distance element, and a clamping mechanism. The coupler element is shaped to fit inside a hollow space of the distance element, and the clamping mechanism is operable to control an insertion length of the coupler element into the hollow space thereby controlling the clamping of the distance element and the chassis when the attachment device is in a mounted position.