Cargo Bike Pallet Tilting Mechanism for Forklift-Free Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo bikes struggle with loading and unloading pallets due to their design, making it difficult to handle heavy loads without the use of a forklift.
Innovation Solution
A cargo bike with a longitudinal orientation, featuring a driver area, a pallet receiving device with rotatably mounted longitudinal load arms and a transverse retaining rod, and a tilting mechanism operated by actuators, allowing easy loading and unloading of pallets without a forklift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional cargo bike is used, then the vehicle can transport goods in urban areas, but loading and unloading pallets becomes difficult and requires additional equipment like forklifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pallet handling functionality directly into the cargo bike by integrating a tilting mechanism and pallet support structure. The tilting device allows the cargo bed to incline, enabling pallets to be lowered to ground level for easy loading and unloading without requiring separate forklift equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo bike incorporates a dynamic tilting mechanism that can adjust the angle of the cargo bed. This dynamic adjustment allows the pallet support to move between a horizontal position for transport and a tilted position for loading/unloading, making the operation easier without adding complex static structures.
2Ease of operation
If a tilting mechanism is added to the cargo bike, then pallet loading and unloading becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tilting systems with a simpler actuation mechanism. The tilting device is actuated by a single actuator that pivots the cargo bed around a horizontal axis, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining the ability to tilt the pallet support for easy loading and unloading.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilting mechanism is designed to be self-stabilizing during operation. When the cargo bed is tilted, the pallet and its load naturally follow the tilt angle, and the mechanism maintains position without requiring complex control systems, allowing the system to serve itself during the loading/unloading process.
3Weight of moving object
If the cargo bike is designed for pallet transport, then heavy loads can be carried, but maneuverability in narrow urban streets may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bike maintains a compact, bike-like structure that can navigate narrow streets, while incorporating a dynamic tilting mechanism that only activates during loading and unloading operations. During normal maneuvering, the cargo bed remains in a streamlined horizontal position, preserving ease of operation in urban environments while still enabling heavy pallet transport when needed.
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 efficient handling of pallets, facilitating easy loading and unloading of heavy loads, enhancing maneuverability and reducing the need for additional equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a tilting device that is configured to tilt the pallet receiving device longitudinally between a first end position in which the pallet receiving device is located in the pick-up area and a second end position in which the pallet receiving device is located to the rear of the pick-up area
Implementation Method 2
said actuator is a hydraulic cylinder comprising a cylinder tube in which moves a piston connected to a rod
Implementation Method 3
two longitudinal load arms for supporting a pallet are rotatably mounted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a cargo bike (1), with a longitudinal orientation (X), comprising: - a driver area (4), which is positioned in front of the cargo bike (1) in regard to the direction of travel of the cargo bike (1), - a pallet receiving device (3) including a frame around which two longitudinal load arms for supporting a pallet (30) are rotatably mounted and a transverse retaining rod which is intended to support a rear end of the longitudinal load arms and to act as a longitudinal stop for the pallet, - a pick-up area (2) intended to accommodate said pallet receiving device (3), the pick-up area (2) being positioned to the rear of the driver area (4), the pallet receiving device (3) being operated by a tilting device (10) that is configured to tilt the pallet receiving device (3) longitudinally between a first end position in which the pallet receiving device (3) is located in the pick-up area (2) and a second end position in which the pallet receiving device (3) is located to the rear of the pick-up area (2), and - a system (21) for fastening the pallet receiving device (3) to the tilting device (10).