Free-Floating Cargo Panels with Rollers and Hinges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo loading and unloading systems require mechanical alterations or technical expertise, and lack flexibility and ergonomics, particularly for remote interior locations in vehicles like pickup trucks.
Innovation Solution
A free-floating cargo movement system using multiple panels with 360-degree hinges and removable pins, allowing for easy installation and removal without tools, enabling ergonomic loading and unloading without climbing into the cargo area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a solid plate with structural attachments is used to extend the cargo bed, then the workspace is extended, but mechanical alterations to the vehicle structure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed extension is divided into multiple separate panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel is equipped with its own rollers and can be independently positioned, allowing the extension to be assembled in segments rather than requiring a single complex structural attachment
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the panels and the cargo bed surface. These rollers enable the panels to move freely along the cargo bed without requiring permanent mechanical attachments to the vehicle structure, thus extending the workspace while avoiding structural modifications
2Ease of operation
If a conveyor sheet on a drum is used to move cargo, then cargo can be moved remotely, but a motor driven or manual drive system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex drive system (motor or manual mechanism) is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using a conveyor sheet that requires a drive mechanism to move cargo, the invention uses free-floating panels with rollers that can be manually positioned and pulled to transfer cargo, eliminating the need for any motorized or manual drive system while maintaining cargo movement capability
3Ease of operation
If rails are permanently attached to the cargo area for cargo movement, then cargo can be moved along the cargo area, but mechanical alterations to the cargo area are required
Solution Approach 1:
Rollers serve as intermediary elements between the panels and the cargo bed surface, eliminating the need for permanently attached rails. The panels with rollers can move freely along the cargo bed without requiring any mechanical alterations or permanent attachments to the cargo area structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanently attached rails to dynamic free-floating panels that can be moved, positioned, and removed as needed. The panels can be pulled into position and the rollers allow them to slide along the cargo bed, providing cargo movement capability without fixed mechanical structures
4Ease of operation
If the user climbs into the cargo area to load or unload cargo, then direct access to remote interior locations is achieved, but ergonomic safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panels with rollers act as intermediary platforms that bring the cargo to the user's location rather than requiring the user to enter the cargo area. The panels can be positioned at the user's end of the cargo bed, allowing cargo to be transferred onto the panel and pulled out, providing safe ergonomic access to remote interior locations
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
Facilitates efficient, labor-saving, and cost-effective loading and unloading of cargo from remote interior locations without mechanical alterations or technical expertise, maintaining user safety and flexibility in panel dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
Each said panel is joined with 360-degree hinges, which may have removable pins
Implementation Method 2
Each said panel is equipped with plurality of rollers fixedly attached enabling said panels to move forward or to the rear of cargo area
Data Source
AI summary
Lazy Laura is a cargo handling device designed to move cargo front to rear or vice versa consisting of multiple free-floating panel's (1) that can be added or removed to achieve any desired length. Each panel being joined by one or more 360-degree hinge (2), which may have a removable pin (3). Each said panel is equipped with plurality of rollers (5) fixedly attached enabling said panels to move forward or to the rear of a defined cargo area. Panels fully loaded may be pushed or pulled through use of grips (4). No framework or mechanical alterations need be made to the cargo area.