Exterior-Mounted Cargo Door Operator Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of overhead cargo doors in vehicles is labor-intensive, leading to wear and tear on door components, increased maintenance costs, and health risks for operators, while existing automated systems intrude on limited cargo space and impose structural loads.
Innovation Solution
An automated door operator assembly with a compact electromechanical device mounted externally, powered by the vehicle's electric system, which connects to the existing torque shaft of the door, allowing for remote operation with minimal intrusion into the cargo space and reduced structural stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of overhead cargo doors is used, then the door can be opened and closed, but operator strain and wear on door components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated electromechanical system. A motor assembly mounted on the exterior of the cargo enclosure provides automated actuation of the overhead door, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operation and reducing both operator strain and wear on door components through controlled, consistent force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated door operator assembly that acts as a mediator between the power source and the door. This assembly includes a motor, transmission mechanism, and coupling device that translates electrical power into controlled mechanical motion, thereby reducing direct operator involvement and minimizing impact loads on door components.
2Extent of automation
If automated door actuator assemblies with motor mechanisms are disposed on the ceiling of the cargo enclosure, then door operation is automated, but cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the motor mechanism from the interior ceiling space to the exterior surface of the cargo enclosure. This dimensional relocation moves the automated actuation system from the three-dimensional interior volume to the two-dimensional exterior surface, thereby preserving maximum cargo space while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor mechanism and associated automated actuation components from the interior cargo enclosure and positions them on the exterior. This extraction removes the space-consuming elements from the cargo volume, allowing the full interior volume to be used for cargo storage while the exterior-mounted system provides automated door operation.
3Extent of automation
If automated door operators are mounted on the cargo enclosure, then door operation is automated, but structural reinforcement is required increasing vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the exterior mounting system to utilize existing structural elements of the cargo enclosure for multiple purposes. The mounting bracket assembly leverages the existing door frame and enclosure structure to support the motor and transmission mechanisms, thereby avoiding the need for additional structural reinforcement and associated weight increases.
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 solution reduces operator strain, minimizes cargo space reduction, and decreases maintenance needs by applying constant force for smooth door operation, thereby reducing damage and injury risks while adhering to payload restrictions.
Implementation Method 1
a motor in communication with a power source, the motor comprising an output configured to be operatively connected to a torsion assembly of the cargo door
Data Source
AI summary
A door operator assembly is configured to raise and lower a cargo door of a cargo enclosure. The assembly includes a power and control unit mounted on an exterior of the cargo enclosure. The power and control unit includes a motor, a coupler operatively connecting the motor to a torsion assembly of the cargo door, a manual release mechanism for actuating the coupler to connect and disconnect the motor and the torsion assembly of the cargo door, and a control circuit for the motor. The assembly may also include an operating switch disposed on the exterior of the cargo enclosure.