Hitch-Mounted Dolly with Pivoting Support for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dollies and cargo platforms face challenges in transporting large objects, particularly due to limited vehicle cargo space, requiring users to lift objects vertically and handle them manually, which can be strenuous and inefficient, especially for compact vehicles with limited space.
Innovation Solution
A dolly designed for attachment to a vehicle hitch, featuring a support assembly with a connection assembly that allows the dolly to pivot and rotate, enabling it to change positions from a ramp to a loading to a transport position, allowing for easier loading and transportation of objects without the need for manual lifting, and accommodating both the object and the dolly in the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dolly is used to transport large objects to a position adjacent to the automobile, then the object can be moved with less effort, but the dolly itself cannot be easily transported along with the object due to limited cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to pivot between a transport position (parallel to vehicle rear), a loading position (inclined for loading), and various intermediate angles. This dynamic adjustment enables the dolly to adapt to different spatial constraints and operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly serves multiple functions: it acts as a transport cart for moving objects to the vehicle, a loading ramp for transferring objects onto the vehicle, and a storage platform that can be secured to the vehicle hitch. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address both the ease of moving objects and the challenge of dolly transportability.
2Ease of operation
If the dolly is positioned lower to the ground to provide exterior cargo zone, then cargo access is improved, but the user must still lift the object to a certain height which places stress on the user's body
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly's support surface is designed to be dynamically adjustable in angle, pivoting from a low ground position to an inclined loading position. This allows the dolly to provide easy ground access when not in use while creating a height-appropriate loading surface when actively loading objects, thereby reducing physical stress on users during the loading process.
3Ease of operation
If the dolly support surface is raised parallel to the ground for loading, then object transfer is facilitated, but the dolly cannot be compactly stored in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly employs a pivot mechanism that allows the support surface to transition between a horizontal loading position (parallel to ground) and a vertical storage position. When loading is required, the support surface is raised to facilitate easy object transfer. When storage is needed, the entire dolly structure can be rotated to a compact vertical orientation, minimizing the volume it occupies in the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly transitions from occupying horizontal space during loading operations to occupying vertical space during storage. By pivoting the support surface from a horizontal to a vertical orientation, the dolly effectively changes the dimension in which it occupies space, allowing it to be compactly stored in the vehicle's vertical cargo area rather than requiring extensive horizontal floor space.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the dolly is designed with fixed structure for stability, then load bearing is improved, but the dolly cannot adjust to different loading positions and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly incorporates a pivot connection at the hitch attachment point that allows the support surface to rotate and adjust to different angles while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic joint provides stability when the dolly is stationary and bearing load, while simultaneously enabling position adjustments during loading operations. The hitch connection acts as a stable anchor point around which the dolly can dynamically reposition itself.
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 efficient loading and transportation of large objects by allowing the dolly to adjust its position relative to the vehicle, reducing user effort and accommodating both the object and the dolly within the vehicle's cargo space, enhancing usability and reducing physical strain.
Implementation Method 1
A dolly (12) is provided including a support assembly (18) including a support surface (20)... The dolly (12) may be moved from a ramp position... to a loading position... In the loading position, the support surface (20) is raised and is parallel to the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly for attachment to a vehicle hitch is disclosed. The dolly includes a connection assembly for connecting and disconnecting the dolly to the vehicle hitch. The connection assembly also allows to position the dolly from a ramp position in which the support surface is inclined, to a loading position in which the support surface is raised and parallel to the ground, for loading the object from the dolly to the vehicle. The connection assembly also allows to position the dolly from the loading position to a transport position. In the transport position, the support surface is upright and extends along the rear of the vehicle, for transporting the dolly with the vehicle, once the object has been loaded in the vehicle. A method of operating the dolly is also provided.