Vehicle Clamping System Using Hooks and Pegs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping systems for motor vehicles on lifting platforms are bulky, pose safety risks due to protruding parts, and require modification of standard lifts, making them inefficient and hazardous for operators.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system featuring hooks and a horizontal peg that securely engage with the lifting support's hole, utilizing a vertical clamping mechanism such as a clamping screw or threaded rod to tighten the vehicle to the lifting plate, ensuring a compact, safe, and standard-compatible fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clamping elements are used to secure the vehicle body to the lifting platform, then the vehicle is firmly fixed, but the clamping elements are bulky and have protruding bars that can injure operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle fixation stabilityVSAvoidoperator injury risk from protruding parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping system is divided into separate functional components: hooks that engage with the lifting platform, a horizontal peg that passes through the vehicle body, and vertical clamping means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the hooks and peg designed to be compact and non-protruding while still providing reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using external clamps that protrude from the vehicle sides, the invention inverts the approach by using hooks that engage from below the vehicle body, with a horizontal peg passing through the vehicle's lifting support hole. This internal engagement method eliminates external protruding parts while maintaining fixation reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If additional telescopic arms are added to the lift to maintain vehicle stability, then the vehicle can be secured against tilting, but the lift structure is modified and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle anti-tilting stabilityVSAvoidlift structure modification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal peg serves multiple functions: it provides lateral positioning of the vehicle body, prevents tilting movements, and works in conjunction with the vertical clamping means to achieve complete fixation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-tilting devices like additional telescopic arms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-tilting function is merged into the primary clamping mechanism by using the horizontal peg that passes through the vehicle body. This integration combines positioning and anti-tilting functions into a single element, avoiding the need for separate structural modifications to the lift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Force

If bulky clamping elements with protruding bars are used, then strong clamping force is achieved, but the device size increases and safety hazards are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoidclamping device size
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping force is generated internally by the vertical clamping means that act on the horizontal peg from below, rather than using external bulky clamps. This inverted approach allows strong clamping force to be achieved with a compact device that fits within the vehicle's underbody space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping force is applied in the vertical dimension through the vertical clamping means, while the horizontal peg provides lateral constraint. This dimensional separation allows effective clamping without requiring bulky horizontal protrusions, reducing the device's external volume while maintaining clamping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system provides a simple, economic, and effective way to secure vehicles without modifying the lift, reducing the risk of accidents and allowing the use of standard equipment, while ensuring stable adhesion to prevent vehicle slippage.

Implementation Method 1

a clamping screw advantageously comprises on one side a manual clamping knob, and on the other a clamping pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a vertical clamping means making it possible to tighten the pin to the lifting plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

threaded rod engaged in a bore of the peg, and a nut tightening this peg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 4

a threaded rod engaged in a bore of the peg, and a nut tightening this peg

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 5

at least one hook provided to come below the lifting plate, comprising a vertical part on which is fixed a horizontal peg provided to enter the drilling of the lifting support

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3252002B1System for clamping the bodywork of a vehicle on a lifting table
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 PSA AUTOMOBILES SA
  • EP3252002B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3252002B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Clamping system intended for fixing the body of a motor vehicle onto a lifting platform (30), this vehicle having below each rocker panel a lifting support (6) comprising a vertical part having a hole (8), having at least one hook (10) intended to come below the lifting platform (30), comprising a vertical part on which is fixed a horizontal pin (12) intended to enter into the hole (8) of the lifting support (6), and comprising a vertical clamping means allowing the pin (12) to be tightened towards the lifting platform (30).