Vehicle Mount Segmentation for Thin Frame Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

As vehicles evolve with thinner structural members due to factors like increased tire clearance and powertrain size, existing vehicle mounts face challenges in attaching to narrower components without compromising space for arm reception, necessitating innovative designs that maintain a small form factor while ensuring secure attachment and force distribution.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle mount comprising a first member attachable to a structural member and a second member with limbs defining a space for arm reception, where the second member engages the first member via flanges and fasteners, allowing for a friction fit and hinged or sliding attachment, thereby maximizing opening dimension without increasing the mount's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment portion size is increased to attach to thinner structural members, then the attachment capability is improved, but the space for arm reception is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidspace for arm reception

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into two separate members: a first member that attaches to the structural member and a second member that receives the arm. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific function - the first member can be designed with flanges for secure attachment to thin structural members, while the second member maintains adequate space for arm reception without compromising the attachment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the mount design is modified to accommodate narrower structural members, then the adaptability to thinner members is improved, but the overall structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to thinner membersVSAvoidmount structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first member is designed with flanges that can attach to structural members of varying thicknesses, providing a universal attachment solution. The flanged portion engages with the structural member through a standardized interface that accommodates different member dimensions, reducing the need for multiple specialized attachment designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the opening dimension is maximized for arm reception, then the space for arm attachment is improved, but the mount footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening dimensionVSAvoidmount footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mount utilizes the depth dimension by extending the second member away from the first member in the direction perpendicular to the attachment surface. This allows the opening dimension to be maximized in the depth direction without increasing the footprint area on the attachment surface, effectively separating the arm reception space from the attachment footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11453285B2Vehicle mount

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle mount may comprise a member attach to a frame of a vehicle. Another mount member may comprise limbs. A space between limbs may receive an arm attachable to a component of the vehicle. The second member may attach to the first member such that the space between the first and second limbs forms an opening for receipt of the arm.