Movable Vehicle Cargo Tray Screw Drive Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo tray systems for vehicles face difficulties in loading and unloading heavy or large items, especially on uneven ground, and are prone to malfunctioning due to integrated electric motors or hydraulics, making them costly and unsafe to use, with limited locking positions and susceptibility to theft.
Innovation Solution
A movable vehicle cargo tray system utilizing a screw drive and lock prawl system that allows easy extension and retraction on uneven ground without a power source, with locking positions at short intervals for enhanced security and usability, featuring a frame, tray, screw drive, and thread engagement device for secure attachment to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors or hydraulic rams are integrated to extend and retract the tray, then the tray can be operated on uneven ground, but the system becomes costly and complex with reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electric motors or hydraulic rams with a purely mechanical screw drive system. The screw drive mechanism uses a lead screw threaded through the frame, engaging with a nut that converts rotational motion to linear motion for extending and retracting the tray. This mechanical substitution eliminates expensive electrical components while maintaining the ability to operate on uneven ground through manual cranking.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw drive system is designed to be manually operated by the user through a crank mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources. The mechanical advantage provided by the screw threads allows a single user to extend and retract even heavily loaded trays without motors or hydraulics, making the system self-sufficient and simpler.
2Stability of the object's composition
If locking positions are spaced several inches apart, then the tray has stable locking positions, but the tray cannot be positioned close to objects or buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spacing parameter of locking positions from several inches apart to much closer spacing (implied to be fractions of an inch based on the screw thread pitch). The fine-pitch screw threads provide multiple locking positions along the entire travel distance of the tray, allowing precise positioning close to objects while maintaining stable locking at each position through the engagement of the screw threads with the frame.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made easily movable for loading and unloading, then cargo access is improved, but the tray becomes susceptible to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the tray can be easily moved when unlocked (improving ease of operation) but becomes securely fixed when locked (preventing theft). The screw drive mechanism includes a locking feature where the screw threads engage with corresponding features in the frame at any position along the travel path. When locked, the mechanical engagement prevents unauthorized movement or removal of the tray, while when unlocked, the tray can be freely extended and retracted by the user.
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 easy and secure loading and unloading of cargo on uneven terrain, prevents theft by locking the tray in place, and provides multiple locking positions for safe operation near objects, enhancing the usability and safety of the cargo area.
Implementation Method 1
The screw drive is attached to the tray at opposing ends of the screw drive such that the screw drive is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the screw drive. The thread engagement device is affixed to the frame and configured to contact at least one thread of the screw drive such that the tray and screw drive are moved longitudinally relative to the frame and the longitudinal axis of the screw drive as the screw drive is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the screw drive.
Implementation Method 2
A movable vehicle cargo tray system utilizing a screw drive and lock prawl system that allows easy extension and retraction on uneven ground without a power source
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo management system includes a screw drive and lock system that allows the user to extend or retract a loaded tray with ease on un-level ground without the use of a power source (i.e., hydraulic or electrical assistance). The lock prawl system allows for locking positions at very short intervals which are helpful when a vehicle is backed up close to objects or buildings. The screw drive lock prawl system is actuated by a locking handle. Therefore, if the locking handle is locked in place, the tray cannot be extended from the bed, and the tray itself or any toolboxes or items bolted to the tray cannot be stolen from the vehicle (i.e., the bolts holding the frame of the cargo system to the vehicle cannot be accessed for removal).