Trailer-Hitch Lift Assembly for Carcass Loading Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hoist assemblies for hunting are limited by the type of vehicle they can be supported by and require disassembly for transporting field-dressed game, posing challenges for hunters with limited mobility or strength.
Innovation Solution
A portable lift assembly that can be securely coupled to any vehicle with a standard trailer hitch, featuring a coupler, support portion with rotatable platforms, and a drive mechanism for elevating and transporting a carcass without disassembly, suitable for vehicles with or without a tailgate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known hoist assemblies are designed to be supported by specific vehicle types (ATV stanchion or pickup truck tailgate), then the hoist assembly can be properly supported, but the hoist assembly cannot be used with other vehicle types
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist assembly is designed with a universal coupler that can be attached to multiple vehicle types including pickup trucks, ATVs, and trailers. The coupler serves as an adaptable interface that accepts different mounting configurations, allowing the same hoist assembly to function across various vehicle platforms without requiring vehicle-specific design variations.
2Ease of operation
If the boom and hoist assembly are disassembled to transport the field-dressed carcass, then the carcass can be moved, but manual effort and dexterity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hoist assembly enables self-service operation where the system itself performs the work of lifting and positioning the carcass. The motorized hoist mechanism automatically raises the carcass to the desired position, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and reassembly operations. The system serves itself by using its own mechanical advantage to move the load without requiring external manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hoist assembly is designed for specific vehicle types, then the mounting is simplified, but the hoist assembly cannot accommodate vehicles with or without tailgates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various vehicle types including those with tailgates and those without. It provides a standardized attachment point that works across different vehicle configurations, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific mounting adaptations while maintaining ease of installation through a single, versatile design.
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 field dressing and transportation of harvested animals by allowing elevation and sliding onto vehicle cargo beds, accommodating various vehicles and user abilities, with features like real-time weight sensing and automatic braking for safety.
Implementation Method 1
The drive mechanism is coupled to the support portion and to the coupler for selectively moving the support portion between the first and second positions
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second platforms is configured to support a load
Data Source
AI summary
A lift assembly is mounted to vehicle including a standard trailer hitch receiver. The lift assembly includes a coupler portion, a controller portion, and a support portion. The coupler portion is configured to securely couple the lift assembly to the vehicle. The control portion extends from the coupler portion. The support portion rotatably coupled to the coupler portion and including at least a first platform and a second platform extending from the first platform. Each of the first and second platforms is configured to support a load. The support portion is selectively moveable between a fully lowered position and a fully elevated position, wherein when in the fully lowered position, the first platform may contact the ground, and wherein when in the fully elevated position, said first platform is substantially perpendicular to the coupler portion.