A multi-state transportation device with lift-triggered automatic deployment and a state conversion method thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of transportation device technology, and discloses a multi-state transportation device and its state transition method that features automatic deployment triggered by a lift. The transportation device includes a main structure, deformable units movable relative to the main structure, and a movable support assembly associated with the deformable units. By applying a lifting force to the main structure, relative motion is created between the main structure and the deformable units, triggering the deformable units to exhibit a self-deploying tendency relative to the main structure under gravity, and to move in the deployment direction under constraint guidance. The deformable units drive the movable support assembly from a receiving position to a ground support position to support the main structure off the ground, thereby transforming the transportation device from a receiving state to an extended state. This invention utilizes lift triggering, gravity drive, and structural constraint guidance to achieve automatic deployment. Users can trigger state switching with a single lifting action, offering advantages such as simple operation, smooth deployment, good structural compatibility, and coordinated deployment of the left and right deformable units.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation equipment technology, specifically to a multi-state transportation device with automatic deployment triggered by lifting and its state transition method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of private cars and the rise in activities such as self-driving tours, outdoor camping, and large-scale shopping, users have placed higher demands on the efficient use of car trunk space and the convenience of cargo handling. Deformable transport devices, by incorporating deformable units that can unfold relative to the main structure, achieve a transformation between storage and transport modes, effectively solving the problem of separating the functions of storage boxes and handcarts.

[0003] Existing deformable transport devices still suffer from the following problems during deployment: The deployment process is cumbersome, requiring users to manually operate each component one by one, such as unlocking, pulling out the deformable unit, flipping it into place, and finally locking it. The entire process involves many steps and is laborious. Some devices require users to lift the main structure with one hand and assist in flipping the deformable unit with the other, which is inconvenient, especially for users with hand disabilities or limited strength. The deployment process cannot utilize the device's own gravity, resulting in a stiff and unnatural user experience.

[0004] Based on the above problems, there is an urgent need for a multi-state transportation device that can automatically unfold through simple triggering actions, is easy to operate, and has a smooth unfolding process. Summary of the Invention

[0005] I. The technical problem to be solved by the invention This invention aims to solve the following technical problems existing in the prior art: (1) The deployment of deformable transport devices is cumbersome and requires manual operation of each component. (2) The unfolding process requires the coordination of both hands, making it inconvenient to operate; (3) The unfolding process cannot utilize gravity assistance and is not smooth enough; (4) The left and right deformable units are difficult to deploy synchronously. Technical solution

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A multi-state transport device with lift-triggered automatic deployment includes: Main structure; At least one deformable unit that can move relative to the main structure; And a movable support assembly associated with the deformable unit; in, The deformable unit is capable of moving relative to the main structure between a contained state and an expanded state. In the contained state, the movable support assembly is located around or inside the main structure; When the deformable unit transitions from the contained state to the expanded state, a lifting force is applied to the main structure, causing relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit. This triggers the deformable unit to develop a self-deploying motion tendency relative to the main structure under the action of gravity, moving in the deployment direction. The deformable unit drives the movable support assembly from the receiving position to the ground support position to support the main structure to leave the ground; This allows the transport device to be deployed in an expanded state.

[0007] Furthermore, the deformable unit does not require direct user operation during deployment.

[0008] Furthermore, the deformable unit is connected to the main structure via a hinged linkage mechanism. When the deformable unit descends, the hinged linkage mechanism guides it to swing in the unfolding direction, and causes the deformable unit to unfold under the action of gravity.

[0009] Furthermore, the deformable unit is connected to the main structure via a sliding groove and pin mechanism, which guides the deformable unit to move in the unfolding direction after the lifting trigger is activated.

[0010] Furthermore, the deformable unit consists of two symmetrically arranged units, which can be deployed collaboratively under the influence of gravity.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes an enclosure component that can be installed between the main structure and the deformable unit in an expanded state to form an enclosed load-bearing space.

[0012] Furthermore, when the deformable unit transitions from the expanded state to the contained state, it can move in the containing direction during the movement of the main structure and be retracted into the contained state.

[0013] The present invention also provides a state transition method for a multi-state transport device that is automatically deployed by a lifting trigger. The transport device includes a main structure, a deformable unit that can move relative to the main structure, and a movable support assembly associated with the deformable unit, comprising the following steps: Applying a lifting force to the main structure causes relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit, triggering a state transition; Under the influence of gravity, the deformable unit tends to unfold relative to the main structure and moves in the unfolding direction. The deformable unit drives the movable support assembly from the receiving position to the ground support position to support the main structure to leave the ground; This allows the transport device to transition from a containment state to an expanded state.

[0014] In this paper, "lift-triggered automatic deployment" refers to a system where the user only needs to apply a lifting force to the main structure, creating relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit. This triggers the deformable unit to automatically move and unfold in the deployment direction under gravity. The user can trigger the transport device to transition from a contained state to an extended state with a single lifting action. The deployment process can be guided by gravity, structural constraints, or mechanical movement.

[0015] "Self-deploying motion tendency" refers to the mechanical motion tendency of deformable units, which naturally form under the action of gravity after being lifted and triggered, and tend to unfold in the unfolding direction. After the main structure is lifted, the deformable units are released relative to the main structure under the action of gravity. The center of gravity of the deformable unit is offset relative to its connection constraint relationship, causing the deformable unit to have a gravitational tendency to move in the unfolding direction after the constraint is released. This tendency is the result of the combined effect of the deformable unit's own gravity and the connection relationship between the deformable unit and the main structure, and is a physical characteristic determined by the structure itself.

[0016] The "main structure" refers to the part that forms the main framework of the device, used to connect and support deformable units and other components. The main structure is usually located in the middle or upper part of the device.

[0017] A "deformable unit" refers to a functional unit that can move relative to the main structure and change its shape and / or spatial position during movement. Deformable units can be linkages, plate assemblies, scissor structures, or other mechanical structures capable of shape transformation. The deformable unit connects to a movable support assembly, and its movement causes the movable support assembly to switch positions.

[0018] "Mobile support assembly" refers to a component connected to a deformable unit for supporting and moving the device on the ground. Mobile support assemblies include, but are not limited to, casters, rollers, tracks, or other components capable of enabling ground movement. The mobile support assembly changes position as the deformable unit moves.

[0019] "Containment state" refers to the state in which the deformable units are folded into or inside the main structure, and the overall outline of the device is compact and regular. In the containment state, the device can be used as a storage container.

[0020] "Extended state" refers to the state in which the deformable unit unfolds relative to the main structure, and the movable support assembly moves to the outside of the main structure and contacts the ground to support the main structure off the ground. In the extended state, the device can be used as a transportation tool or a storage platform.

[0021] "Lifting force" refers to the upward force applied by the user to the main structure, directed away from the ground. The lifting force is used to create relative motion between the main structure and the deformable units, triggering state transitions.

[0022] "Enclosure component" refers to a structural component used to form a enclosure and load-bearing plane, which may include one or more of the following: base plate, side plate, front plate, and rear plate.

[0023] "Coordinated deployment" refers to the motion mode in which two deformable units on the left and right sides complete the state transition in a basically coordinated manner during the deployment process. Coordinated deployment can be achieved naturally through the action of gravity. Beneficial effects

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] Users can trigger the transport device's transition from a contained state to an expanded state with a single lifting action. After lifting, relative motion occurs between the main structure and the deformable unit, which then releases under gravity and automatically unfolds under constraint guidance. This single-action triggering mechanism simplifies the traditional multi-step deployment operation into a single lifting action, greatly lowering the barrier to entry for users.

[0026] This invention utilizes the device's own gravity to assist in the deployment process. Upon triggering the lift, the deformable unit, under the influence of gravity, tends to deploy on its own and moves in the deployment direction under constraint guidance, making user operation extremely effortless. The deployment process is smooth and natural.

[0027] The left and right deformable units unfold naturally and collaboratively under the influence of gravity, without the need for additional synchronization mechanisms. The unfolding rhythm of both sides is coordinated and consistent, avoiding the situation where one side arrives first and the other lags behind that may occur during manual operation, ensuring smooth deformation of the device.

[0028] The deployment mechanism of this invention can be achieved through various motion mechanisms such as hinged linkage mechanisms and sliding groove and pin mechanisms. The hinged linkage mechanism guides the deformable unit to swing and deploy through the rotation of the linkage group, while the sliding groove and pin mechanism guides the movement of the deformable unit. Different mechanisms are suitable for different cost, weight, and strength requirements, and have good structural scalability.

[0029] This invention not only enables deployment but also concealment. During concealment, the user can lift the main structure to move the deformable unit in the concealment direction. Regardless of the concealment method used, the core of this invention lies in the automation of the deployment process.

[0030] In its concealed state, the movable support components are located around or inside the main structure, and the deformable units are folded into the main structure. The overall appearance of the device is neat and compact, and it can be placed in a limited space as a neat storage container. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the containment state structure according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lift-up triggering and descent process in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fully unfolded state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention (with enclosure components installed).

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the containment state structure of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lift-up trigger and automatic expansion in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fully unfolded state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention (with enclosure components installed). Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0038] In the following description, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front," and "back" are used for ease of understanding and explanation. These directional terms are used only based on the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0039] It should be noted that the following two embodiments illustrate different implementations of the deployment mechanism. Embodiment 1 uses a sliding groove and pin mechanism, while Embodiment 2 uses a hinged linkage mechanism. Both mechanisms can realize the core inventive concept of "lifting trigger → gravity deployment" of this invention, and the scope of protection of this invention is not limited to any specific form.

[0040] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in addition to the slide and pin mechanism and the hinged linkage mechanism, other mechanisms that can automatically unfold after being lifted are also within the protection scope of this invention, such as scissor mechanisms and plate folding mechanisms.

[0041] Example 1: Automatic unfolding mechanism using a slide and pin joint like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment, wherein the deformable unit is connected to the main structure through a sliding groove and pin mechanism.

[0042] The device includes a main structure 100, deformable units 200 arranged symmetrically on the left and right, and a movable support assembly 300 connected to the deformable units 200.

[0043] The main structure 100 constitutes the central skeleton of the device, and its overall structure can be a frame, plate, or box. A handle may be provided on the upper part of the main structure 100 to facilitate the user to apply lifting force.

[0044] The deformable unit 200 is a sheet metal or frame structure, and its inner side is connected to the main structure 100 via a sliding groove and pin mechanism. A movable support assembly 300 is connected to its outer bottom. The movable support assembly 300 is a caster assembly, including swivel wheels and / or fixed wheels.

[0045] The slide and pin mechanism pre-sets a constrained motion trajectory for the deformable unit 200. In this embodiment, the slide and pin mechanism includes a guide groove disposed on the deformable unit 200 and a pin disposed on the main structure 100. The slide and pin mechanism guides the deformable unit 200 to move in the unfolding direction after the lifting trigger is activated.

[0046] Initially, the device is in a contained state (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). The deformable unit 200 is folded around the main structure 100, and the movable support assembly 300 is located in a receiving position around the main structure 100.

[0047] The automatic unfolding process is as follows: Phase 1 – Lifting Trigger: The user grasps the handle at the top of the main structure 100 and applies a lifting force to it. The main structure 100 moves upward relative to the deformable unit 200, creating relative motion between them. Under its own gravity, the deformable unit 200 tends to unfold relative to the main structure 100 and begins to move downward along the slide and pin mechanism.

[0048] Phase Two – Gravity Descending and Automatic Outward Flipping: The deformable unit 200 descends along the slide and pin mechanism under the action of gravity (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown). The slide and pin mechanism guides the deformable unit 200 to swing outward during descent. During this process, no manual assistance from the user is required to flip the deformable unit 200 or any of its components.

[0049] Phase 3 – Deployment Drive: After the user deploys the main structure 100, the deformable unit 200 continues to move in the deployment direction until it is fully deployed.

[0050] Finally, the deformable unit 200 fully unfolds, and the movable support component 300 contacts the ground and supports the main structure 100 as it lifts off the ground. The device automatically forms an expanded state, expanding together with the enclosure component to create an enclosed load-bearing space (such as...). Figure 3 (As shown). The left and right deformable units 200 deploy together under the action of gravity.

[0051] The entire unfolding process only requires two steps: "lifting → releasing".

[0052] When the device is in its extended state and the user wishes to retract it, an upward lifting force can be applied to the main structure 100. The deformable unit 200 rotates along the slide and pin mechanism under its own weight. The user lowers the main structure 100, the deformable unit 200 resets, and the movable support assembly 300 retracts to its retracted position. The device returns to its retracted state.

[0053] Example 2: Automatic Deployment via Hinged Linkage Mechanism like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment, wherein the deformable unit is connected to the main structure through a hinged linkage mechanism.

[0054] The device includes a main structure 100, deformable units 200 arranged symmetrically on the left and right, and a movable support assembly 300 connected to the deformable units 200.

[0055] The main structure 100 constitutes the central skeleton of the device, and its overall structure can be a frame, plate, or box. A handle may be provided on the upper part of the main structure 100 to facilitate the user to apply lifting force.

[0056] The deformable unit 200 adopts a multi-link structure. Taking the left side as an example (the right side is mirror-symmetrical), the deformable unit 200 includes at least one set of links. One end of the link is hinged to the main structure 100, and the other end is hinged to the main body of the deformable unit 200, forming a hinged link mechanism.

[0057] The movable support assembly 300 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the deformable unit 200. The movable support assembly 300 is a caster assembly, including swivel wheels and / or fixed wheels.

[0058] The main structure 100 is provided with a limiting protrusion. The limiting protrusion is located on the movement path of the deformable unit 200 and is used to limit the movement range of the deformable unit 200 to prevent excessive unfolding or excessive containment.

[0059] Initially, the device is in a contained state (e.g., Figure 4 (As shown). The deformable unit 200 is folded around the main structure 100, and the movable support assembly 300 is located in a receiving position around the main structure 100.

[0060] The automatic unfolding process is as follows: The user grasps the handle at the top of the main structure 100 and applies a lifting force to it. The main structure 100 moves upward relative to the deformable unit 200, creating relative motion between them. Under its own weight, the deformable unit 200 tends to unfold relative to the main structure 100, rotating around its hinge point with the main structure 100 and moving obliquely in the unfolding direction within the range defined by the limiting protrusion (e.g., ...). Figure 5 (As shown).

[0061] The articulated linkage mechanism guides the deformable unit 200 to swing in the unfolding direction as it descends, causing the deformable unit 200 to unfold under gravity. The user then lowers the main structure 100, and the deformable unit 200 continues to move in the unfolding direction until it is fully unfolded.

[0062] Finally, the deformable unit 200 fully unfolds, and the movable support component 300 contacts the ground and supports the main structure 100 off the ground. The device automatically forms an extended state; when the enclosing component is installed and expands together, it can form an enclosed load-bearing space (such as...). Figure 6 (As shown). The left and right deformable units 200 deploy together under the action of gravity.

[0063] The entire unfolding process only requires two steps: "lifting → releasing".

[0064] When the device is in its extended state and the user wishes to retract it, a pull rope can be used for assistance. The two ends of the pull rope are connected to the left and right deformable units 200, respectively. When the user pulls the middle of the rope, the two ends apply a retracting force to the two deformable units 200, causing them to move synchronously in the retraction direction, thus completing the retraction. The movable support assembly 300 retracts to the retracted position, and the device returns to its retracted state.

[0065] It should be noted that the containment process can be carried out in various ways. The core of this invention lies in the automation of the deployment process, and no specific containment method is limited.

[0066] The two embodiments above illustrate different implementations of the unfolding mechanism. A common feature of all embodiments is that: (1) Both are triggered by applying a lifting force to the main structure to induce a state transition, thereby creating relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit; (2) After being triggered, all deformable units tend to self-deploy under the action of gravity and move in the direction of deployment under the guidance of constraints; (3) The unfolding process only requires two steps: "lifting → releasing"; (4) Both the left and right deformable units can be deployed together under the action of gravity.

[0067] These common features are precisely the embodiment of the core inventive concept of "lift-triggered automatic deployment" of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that, in addition to the mechanisms listed in the two embodiments above, other mechanical structures can be used to achieve the same deployment logic, and these alternative solutions all fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0068] The state transition method provided by this invention is based on the principle of triggering a relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit by lifting the main structure. Gravity then drives the deformable unit to exhibit a self-deploying motion tendency and move in the deployment direction. This method is applicable to all the above embodiments and other implementations based on the same inventive concept.

[0069] In practice, the main structure can be lowered to assist the unfolding process, making the coordinated unfolding of the left and right deformable units smoother.

[0070] The method of containment can vary depending on the specific structure. For example, in a chute-type structure, the deformable unit can be rotated back to its original position by lifting the main structure; in a linkage-type structure, a pull rope can be used to assist in containment. Regardless of the containment method used, the core of this invention lies in the automation of the deployment process.

[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-state transport device with automatic deployment triggered by lifting, characterized in that, include: Main structure; At least one deformable unit that can move relative to the main structure; And a movable support assembly associated with the deformable unit; in, The deformable unit is capable of moving relative to the main structure between a contained state and an expanded state. In the contained state, the movable support assembly is located around or inside the main structure; When the deformable unit transitions from the contained state to the expanded state, a lifting force is applied to the main structure, causing relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit. This triggers the deformable unit to develop a self-deploying motion tendency relative to the main structure under the action of gravity, moving in the deployment direction. The deformable unit drives the movable support assembly from the receiving position to the ground support position to support the main structure to leave the ground; This allows the transport device to be deployed in an expanded state.

2. The multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformable unit does not require direct user operation during deployment.

3. The multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformable unit is connected to the main structure via a hinged linkage mechanism. When the deformable unit descends, the hinged linkage mechanism guides it to swing in the unfolding direction, and causes the deformable unit to unfold under the action of gravity.

4. The multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformable unit is connected to the main structure via a sliding groove and pin mechanism, which guides the deformable unit to move in the unfolding direction after being lifted and triggered.

5. A multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deformable unit consists of two symmetrically arranged units, which can be deployed together under the action of gravity.

6. A multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an enclosure component that can be installed between the main structure and the deformable unit in an expanded state to form an enclosed load-bearing space.

7. A multi-state transport device with lifting trigger automatic deployment according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the deformable unit transitions from the expanded state to the contained state, it can move in the containing direction during the movement of the main structure and be retracted into the contained state.

8. A state transition method for a lifting-triggered automatic deployment multi-state transport device, the transport device comprising a main structure, a deformable unit movable relative to the main structure, and a movable support assembly associated with the deformable unit, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Applying a lifting force to the main structure causes relative motion between the main structure and the deformable unit, triggering a state transition; Under the influence of gravity, the deformable unit tends to unfold relative to the main structure and moves in the unfolding direction. The deformable unit drives the movable support assembly from the receiving position to the ground support position to support the main structure to leave the ground; This allows the transport device to transition from a containment state to an expanded state.

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