Adjustable Support Arm for Utility Vehicle Cargo Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicle structures have limited cargo space utilization due to fixed support mechanisms that hinder the efficient loading and unloading of goods of varying heights, leading to suboptimal economic efficiency and increased effort in height adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle structure with adjustable support arms and stanchions that automatically adjust their position to accommodate different heights, featuring a display device indicating the support status through a signal flag area, allowing for free movement and high load absorption without additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If support arms are made movable to allow segment floors to pass during height adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to absorb high support loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm automatically positions itself during the height adjustment process. When the segment floor is raised, the support arm pivots inward to allow passage; when lowered, it automatically swings outward to engage the support lug, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining load-bearing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm transitions from a static, fixed-position design to a dynamic, movable design that automatically adjusts its position based on the segment floor's height adjustment state, enabling both easy operation and high load absorption
2Strength
If support arms are locked in position to ensure stability, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm performs self-locking through its own weight and geometry. When the segment floor is lowered, gravity causes the support arm to swing outward and automatically engage with the support lug, creating a secure locked position without requiring separate locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active locking mechanisms to secure the support arm, the design uses passive locking where the support arm's own weight and geometric configuration create the locking effect, inverting the traditional approach to achieving stability
3Ease of operation
If the support arm is positioned to allow free movement during height adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed as a movable component that dynamically adjusts its position during operation. The pivot axis and signal flag area are positioned to naturally indicate the support state without requiring high manufacturing precision, as the system relies on functional positioning rather than precise static alignment
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
Enables flexible and efficient use of cargo space by allowing the support arm to automatically adjust and absorb high loads, improving the structural simplicity and operational efficiency of the vehicle structure.
Implementation Method 1
due to the position of which the support bracket is not in a locked position. As a result of its own weight, the locked position falls into an operating position located within the segment base
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The vehicle structure (1) has a cargo area floor (6) mounted on a chassis (2), and adjustable corner- (9) and side posts (8) are connected to a vehicle roof. A supporting beam is movably mounted in or on the segment floor, such that the supporting beam overlaps a lateral edge of a segment base (11) in a support operating position. The supporting beam is transferred into an area of the surface extension of the segment base in the non-supporting outer operating position. The lateral edge of the segment base is facing an associated support attachment.