Detachable Vehicle Handling Beam for Space-Saving Load Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle handling systems occupy significant space and add weight to armored vehicles, requiring geometry-specific designs that lack versatility and efficient storage solutions.

Innovation Solution

A detachable handling system featuring a rigid beam with a fixing device and a lifting mechanism, where the beam can be stored outside the vehicle when not in use, reducing interior bulk by folding against the vehicle wall and using a hoist with pulleys for load management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent handling system is mounted inside the vehicle, then load handling capability is ensured, but vehicle interior space is significantly reduced and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidvehicle interior space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handling system is divided into separable components: a fixing device mounted permanently on the vehicle wall and a beam assembly that can be detached and stored elsewhere. This segmentation allows the load handling capability to be maintained when needed while eliminating continuous occupation of interior space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic configuration where the beam can be attached, positioned, used, and then detached for storage. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt between providing full functionality and minimizing space occupation based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a permanent handling system is mounted inside the vehicle, then load handling capability is ensured, but vehicle weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the handling system into a fixed mounting component and a removable beam assembly, the vehicle carries only the essential fixing device when the beam is stored externally, significantly reducing the weight that must be continuously supported by the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If a handling system is designed for specific vehicle geometry, then installation is optimized for that vehicle type, but versatility across different vehicle types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation optimizationVSAvoidvehicle type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different vehicle wall configurations and geometries. This universality allows the same fixing device to be installed on various vehicle types while maintaining optimal installation characteristics for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 minimizes vehicle occupancy, maintains load handling capability, and allows for versatile installation across different vehicle types by detaching and storing the handling components outside the vehicle, thereby reducing weight and space usage.

Implementation Method 1

a fixing device connected to the beam for detachable fixing of the beam to a wall of the interior of the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a rigid support assembly secured to the beam in the region of the outer end, and extending laterally from the latter, the rigid support assembly being intended, in use, to bear on each of the doors when these are open

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Support: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a lifting device configured to maneuver a load and mounted movably along the beam... the lifting device is a hoist comprising at least one lifting pulley attachable to a load and an actuating cable linked to the lifting pulley

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulley System: Pulley

Implementation Method 4

an actuating cable linked to the lifting pulley and actuable by a user so as to lift and lower the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 5

The arm may be provided, at its second end, with a fixing part configured to be fixed to said wall of the vehicle, the fixing part being, in use, connected to the second end by a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the beam. Thus, when not in use and the beam detached, the arm can be folded against the wall to which it is fixed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting Motion: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4166389B1Handling system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 KNDS FRANCE
  • EP4166389B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4166389B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4166389B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling system (1) for a vehicle comprising an interior and two hinged doors. The handling system (1) comprises a rigid beam (2), having a first inner end (6) and a second outer end (7), a fastening device (8) connected to the beam (2) for detachable attachment of the beam (2) to a wall of the interior of the vehicle, a rigid support assembly (22) integral with the beam (2) in the region of the outer end (7), and extending laterally from it, the rigid support assembly (22) being intended, in use, to bear against each of the doors (C) when they are open, the beam (2) then passing through the opening (D) of the vehicle and having the region of its outer end (7) outside the vehicle, and a lifting device (23) configured to maneuver a load (G) and mounted movably along the beam (2).