Deployable Storage Elevator for Transport Trailers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for recreational and work vehicles lack efficient and accessible solutions for storing and retrieving supplies like hay and equipment, particularly for long-distance transportation of livestock, as they often require manual lifting and do not provide convenient access while in transit.
Innovation Solution
A deployable storage elevator system integrated into transport trailers, featuring a vertically raising and lowering mechanism with a pivotable handling platform that can be manually or automatically actuated, allowing easy access and stowage of supplies without the need for significant manual lifting, using mechanisms like linkage assemblies, chain-driven actuation, or cable and spring systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If supplies are stored in fixed locations on vehicles, then storage capacity is maintained, but accessibility and convenience of retrieval are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin is made dynamically positionable through a deployable elevator mechanism that can move the bin between elevated storage position and lowered access position, allowing the system to adapt between storage and retrieval modes as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a storage support structure when raised, provides controlled access when lowered, and can be integrated with various vehicle types, making the system universally applicable to different vehicle configurations
2Area of stationary object
If storage bins are placed at elevated locations for space efficiency, then ground space is freed, but manual lifting effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual lifting mechanism is replaced with a powered elevator system that uses a motor to automatically raise and lower the storage bin, eliminating the need for manual lifting while maintaining elevated storage positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The elevator system is designed to automatically perform the lifting and positioning operations without requiring human physical effort, with the motorized mechanism self-actuating to move the bin between storage and access positions
3Productivity
If manual lifting is used for storage operations, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical lifting operations are replaced with an automated elevator mechanism powered by an electric motor, significantly improving storage and retrieval speed and efficiency while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable
4Ease of operation
If storage bins are made accessible from ground level, then ease of loading is improved, but vehicle space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bin positioning is made dynamic through the elevator mechanism, allowing the bin to be temporarily lowered to ground level for easy loading/unloading operations, then raised back to the elevated storage position to maximize vehicle space utilization during transit
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 system simplifies the storage and retrieval of supplies by reducing manual lifting efforts, providing convenient access to goods at ground level while allowing the storage bin to be elevated and stowed out of the way, enhancing usability during travel and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The assist mechanism assists in deploying and stowing the elevator system and may be a gas-assisted shock
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a vertical raising and lowering mechanism or lift system configured to move the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift includes a pivot arm system coupled to a sidewall of the trailer and a lift assist mechanism, such as a linear actuator, to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The elevator system includes a supply platform pivot actuation mechanism to adjust the angle of the platform relative to the pivot arm during stowage and deployment of the system. The elevator system may be fitted to various types of vehicles to store and transport various materials.