Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
(OP)
This is a hitch attachment product for an automobile. We're increasing the angle that the hitch attaches by +3 degrees, the factory has informed us that they'd like to do it one of the following two ways.
1) change angle A
2) change angle B
changing angle B would likely be easier, but which would be most structurally sound. As a background, angle B would just be bent an additional 3 degrees, while angle A would mean cutting the parts on the left backwards and welding the part with its current 90 degree bend on at a 3 degree incline.
Changing angle B would leave the shearing on that weld having roughly the same effect but would change the forces on the bend shown at angle B, while changing angle A would change the forces on that weld.
That's a simplified version, but my question to you guys is which would be more structurally sound and would likely have the higher yield point? A, leaving the 90 degree bend but tilting the whole thing back at the weld, or B, just benging it up to an 87* bend rather than 90 and leaving the weld alone.
Any help is appreciated.
1) change angle A
2) change angle B
changing angle B would likely be easier, but which would be most structurally sound. As a background, angle B would just be bent an additional 3 degrees, while angle A would mean cutting the parts on the left backwards and welding the part with its current 90 degree bend on at a 3 degree incline.
Changing angle B would leave the shearing on that weld having roughly the same effect but would change the forces on the bend shown at angle B, while changing angle A would change the forces on that weld.
That's a simplified version, but my question to you guys is which would be more structurally sound and would likely have the higher yield point? A, leaving the 90 degree bend but tilting the whole thing back at the weld, or B, just benging it up to an 87* bend rather than 90 and leaving the weld alone.
Any help is appreciated.





RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
Have you done an FEA of the baseline design? What happens if you change the design and re-run with the baseline loads?
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
Well I'd go for option B but only because its easier to make the modification.
desertfox
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
I would lean toward changing angle A but substantiate with strength analysis of the weld.
There is another option of welding a tapered shim on the L-section to change angle B.
I guess your 3 options are:
1. Additional bending to change angle B (probably cheapest, but IMHO not preferable)
2. Additional machining to change angle A (preferred)
3. Additional welding to change angle B using a shim (probably best, but not among your options)
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
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RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
My boat trailer has only about 1/16" clearance when making up the hitch.
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
Rob Stupplebeen
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
Rob Stupplebeen
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
RE: Which Set Up is More Structurally Sound?
How thick is the ball plate/ L-plate? And what weight and trailer weight is it to take?