Collapsible Load Carrier Tilting Mechanism for Trunk Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers are difficult to use correctly, leading to potential damage due to incorrect operation, and they often compromise accessibility to the trunk or loading area.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible load carrier design featuring a base fixed to a trailer hitch with a carrier arrangement that folds and tilts, using a single lever for easy and safe operation, with articulated support arms and a coupling device for secure attachment, allowing the loading area to be tilted for easy access and minimizing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the load carrier is designed to tilt for easy access to the trunk, then accessibility is improved, but the risk of incorrect operation and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting and folding functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The support arm serves both as the tilting element (for trunk access) and as part of the folding structure. By combining these functions, the patent eliminates the need for separate controls, reducing operational complexity and the risk of incorrect operation while maintaining easy accessibility to the trunk.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a structural support element and an active mechanism for both tilting and folding operations. This universal component performs multiple functions (supporting the loading area, enabling tilting for access, and facilitating folding for storage), thereby simplifying the overall system and reducing the chances of operator error through fewer independent controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate tilting and folding mechanisms are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilting and folding mechanisms into a single integrated system. The support arm's articulation points and linkage structure enable both tilting (for trunk access) and folding (for storage) functions through coordinated movement of the same components, thereby maintaining functional versatility while significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm and its connection elements are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions. The same structural elements enable both tilting and folding operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function and thereby reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple independent controls are provided for tilting and folding, then operational precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control inputs for tilting and folding are merged into a single integrated control mechanism. The support arm's mechanical linkage and articulation geometry are designed so that a single operator input (such as moving the support arm to a specific position) simultaneously achieves both tilting and folding actions with precise positioning, thereby maintaining operational precision while significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The load carrier (1) has an adjusting range (8), on which the load to be transported, particularly bicycle, is adjusted. The load carrier is formed by a base (4) and a carrier arrangement (5) pivotally connected with the base. The base and the carrier arrangement have a common folding area around a common folding axis (KL). The carrier arrangement is tiltable relative to the base around a tilt axis in unfolded state of the load carrier. A fixing is provided during normal use to prevent a relative tilting between the base and the carrier arrangement.