Adjustable Ladder Rack With Linear Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unaided loading and unloading of ladders and other large equipment onto vehicles require manual lifting, leading to physical exertion and injury risks, as well as potential damage to the equipment and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipment rack system with cross members, rollers, and adjustable brackets that allows for secure loading and unloading of ladders, featuring a linear actuator and latching mechanism for easy operation and customization to fit different ladder sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to load and unload ladders, then no additional equipment is needed, but physical exertion and injury risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A mechanical lifting system acts as an intermediary between the ladder and the operator, transferring the lifting function from human muscles to a mechanical apparatus. The system includes a platform that supports the ladder, a lifting mechanism with cables and pulleys that provides mechanical advantage, and a control system that automates the lifting process, thereby eliminating direct manual lifting while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical lifting action is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The patent employs an electric motor-driven winch or hydraulic cylinder to replace human arm and back muscles, converting electrical or hydraulic energy into mechanical lifting force. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to physically lift heavy ladders while maintaining the mechanical lifting function.
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used to load and unload ladders, then no additional equipment is needed, but damage to vehicles and equipment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system serves as an intermediary that controls the force application between the ladder and the vehicle. By using a controlled mechanical lifting mechanism with soft grippers or distributed contact points, the system prevents concentrated loads that could damage vehicle roofs or ladder rungs, distributing the force evenly throughout the lifting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates cushioning elements such as rubber pads, foam layers, or spring-loaded contact points between the lifting mechanism and the ladder/vehicle surfaces. These cushioning elements are positioned in advance to absorb impact forces during loading and unloading, preventing damage to both the vehicle roof and the equipment being transported.
3Device complexity
If fixed ladder rack positions are used, then the structure is simple, but adaptability to different ladder sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder rack system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The patent incorporates movable cross-members that can be repositioned along the longitudinal axis of the rack, adjustable support arms that can change their angle and position, and telescopic elements that extend or retract to accommodate different ladder lengths. This dynamic adjustability allows the same structure to securely hold various ladder sizes while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components.
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 reduces manual labor and associated risks, providing a secure and customizable solution for loading and unloading ladders, minimizing damage to vehicles and equipment while enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A first linear actuator disposed in the base member, wherein a portion of the first linear actuator is disposed through the base member aperture
Implementation Method 2
A first roller coupled with an outboard end of the first cross member. A second roller coupled with an outboard end of the second cross member
Implementation Method 3
A first pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the first pivot arm rotatably coupled with the first arm. A second pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the second pivot arm rotatably coupled with the second arm
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle equipment rack having a first cross member and a second cross member. A first roller coupled with an outboard end of the first cross member. A second roller coupled with an outboard end of the second cross member. A first arm in rolling engagement with the first roller. A second arm in rolling engagement with the second roller. A drive tube rotatably coupled with the first and second cross members. A first pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the first pivot arm rotatably coupled with the first arm. A second pivot arm coupled with the drive tube, the second pivot arm rotatably coupled with the second arm. The first arm including a base member. The base member having an aperture disposed through a surface thereof. A first linear actuator disposed in the base member, wherein a portion of the first linear actuator is disposed through the base member aperture. A first bracket disposed on a surface of the base member. The first bracket coupled with the first linear actuator. A sliding member slideably coupled with the base member. A second bracket coupled with the sliding member. The second arm including a third bracket disposed on a surface of the second arm, and a fourth bracket coupled with the second arm.