Hitch-Mounted Articulating Conveyor for Pickup Truck Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals face challenges in loading and unloading items from pickup trucks due to the need to lift heavy or bulky items several feet off the ground, which can lead to strain, fatigue, and potential damage, especially for those with physical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A portable and articulating conveyor belt system that attaches to a vehicle's tow-hitch receiver, powered by the vehicle's existing power supply, featuring a hydraulic arm and remote control operation, allowing for adjustable angle and bi-directional movement to facilitate easy loading and unloading with minimal effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If items are manually lifted into a pickup truck bed, then loading and unloading can be completed, but physical strain and fatigue occur due to the height and weight of items
Solution Approach 1:
A conveyor belt system acts as an intermediary device between the ground and the truck bed, automatically transporting items without requiring manual lifting. The conveyor belt receives items at ground level and delivers them to the truck bed, eliminating the harmful physical strain of direct manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of lifting items is replaced by an automated conveyor belt system powered by an electric motor. This substitution eliminates the need for human physical effort in the lifting operation, thereby reducing fatigue and strain.
2Ease of operation
If a portable conveyor system is added to assist with loading, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed with multi-functionality to justify its complexity: it can be attached to and removed from different vehicles, adjusted to various angles and heights, and controls multiple functions (conveyor operation, arm positioning, angle adjustment) through a single remote control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic components including a telescopic hydraulic arm that can extend and retract, an articulating mechanism that adjusts the conveyor angle, and a variable speed conveyor belt. These dynamic features allow the system to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated control.
3Extent of automation
If the conveyor system uses a standalone power source, then operational independence is achieved, but weight and portability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to utilize the vehicle's existing electrical system for power, eliminating the need for a separate battery or generator. This self-service approach allows the conveyor to draw power directly from the vehicle it serves, maintaining portability while achieving operational independence during use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor belt is fixed at a single angle, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different vehicle heights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates an articulating mechanism with a hydraulic arm that can dynamically adjust the conveyor belt angle. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different vehicle bed heights and positions, providing versatility while managing complexity through integrated hydraulic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into segmented, articulating sections connected by joints that allow independent movement. This segmentation enables the conveyor to achieve multiple angles and positions by coordinating the movement of individual segments, providing adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign.
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 users to load and unload items with reduced physical exertion, adaptable to various vehicle heights, and safe to use, while eliminating the need for a standalone power source, thus improving efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the angle of the portable conveyor belt device may be adjusted to suit user need and/or preference via a hydraulic arm and a plurality of articulating points
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the conveyor belt is bi-directional to facilitate easy loading and/or unloading of a transported article or item, and is powered by an integrated electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A portable and articulating conveyor belt device for use with a vehicle having a power supply, wherein the vehicle's power supply powers the conveyor belt device. The conveyor belt device is removably attachable to a trailer hitch assembly on a vehicle, and enables a user to quickly and safely load articles onto/off of the vehicle via a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt device is preferably controlled via a remote control and controls the position of the device, as well as the direction and speed of the conveyor belt. The support frame of the conveyor belt device is comprised of a plurality of repositionable, interlocking and pivoting support frame members that enable the device to be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit user need and/or preference.