Cargo Vehicle Conveyor Assembly With Pivoting Slideout Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo and delivery vehicles often face inefficiencies in loading and unloading processes due to the time-consuming nature of manual handling of packages in sizable cargo areas, necessitating a mechanism to streamline these operations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor assembly system integrated into the cargo area of vehicles, featuring extendable and pivotable conveyor sections with roller bearing assemblies and slideout assemblies, allowing for efficient movement of packages both within the vehicle and externally, with a stowable design to minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of packages is used in sizable cargo areas, then cargo area capacity is maximized, but loading and unloading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated conveyor system that uses rollers and motorized components to transport packages. The conveyor assembly includes a motorized cart that can automatically move packages between the cargo area and exterior locations, eliminating the need for manual lifting and carrying.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring continuous manual intervention. The motorized cart can automatically navigate, position, and transfer packages, allowing the system to service itself and perform loading/unloading operations with minimal human involvement.
2Productivity
If conveyor assembly is extended to exterior positions, then loading efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into modular segments including a motorized cart, conveyor belt sections, and interchangeable end effectors. This segmentation allows the system to extend to exterior positions by adding or reconfiguring modules rather than deploying a single complex continuous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor assembly employs dynamic, movable components rather than fixed structures. The motorized cart can extend and retract, and conveyor sections can be repositioned as needed, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements without permanent structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conveyor sections are made pivotable and extendable, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but ease of operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Manual manipulation of pivotable and extendable sections is replaced with motorized actuators and automated control systems. The motorized cart handles extension and retraction, while electric motors control the pivoting movements, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate complex mechanical joints.
4Area of stationary object
If conveyor assembly is kept compact when stowed, then cargo area space is preserved, but productivity during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor assembly transitions from a static compact stowed position to a dynamic extended operational position. The motorized cart and conveyor sections can be rapidly deployed when needed and retracted when not in use, allowing the system to maintain small footprint during storage while providing full functionality during operation.
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 conveyor assembly significantly reduces the time and effort required for loading and unloading by enabling easy movement of packages, enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility, while maintaining a compact stowed position to preserve cargo area functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of roller bearing assemblies supported by a frame
Implementation Method 2
at least one first slideout assembly which includes at least one movable bar that moves with respect to the cargo area
Implementation Method 3
at least one piston assembly attached to the pivotable conveyor panel at a first end and the bracket at a second end, wherein the at least one piston assembly limits a velocity at which the pivotable conveyor panel moves
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative embodiment of a vehicle having a cargo area and a cab area is provided, wherein the cargo area may include a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly may include a conveyor assembly section and a pivotable conveyor assembly section. The conveyor assembly section includes at least one conveyor shelf panel which includes a support surface. The pivotable conveyor assembly section may include a bracket that supports a pivotable conveyor panel.