Lifting Roof Cabin Mechanism for Self-Loading Vehicle Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle loading systems for cabins with lifting roofs require separate equipment for loading and unloading, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when transporting vehicles over long distances.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle loading system that incorporates a movement device connected to the cabin body and lifting roof, allowing the roof to be raised and the cabin to be lifted using on-board equipment, with optional rollers and rails for easy loading onto a carrier vehicle or container.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate loading equipment is used for vehicle cabin loading and unloading, then the loading process can be performed, but the system complexity increases and time is lost for equipment setup and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading speedVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the loading function directly into the vehicle cabin by incorporating a lifting device that is part of the cabin structure itself. This merging of the loading function into the cabin eliminates the need for separate external loading equipment, thereby reducing system complexity and eliminating time spent on equipment setup and removal while maintaining loading capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device integrated into the vehicle cabin serves multiple functions: it can lift the cabin body during loading/unloading operations and also functions as part of the cabin's structural support system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate loading equipment, reducing overall system complexity and improving productivity.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the movement device remains attached to the lifting roof, then the lifting roof can be raised, but the device cannot be used to lift the vehicle cabin from a carrier vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidattachment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement device is designed with dynamic attachment capabilities, allowing it to be detachably connected to the lifting roof when needed for raising the roof, and detachable for use in lifting the entire vehicle cabin from a carrier vehicle. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the device to adapt to different operational requirements without permanent fixed attachments, enhancing versatility while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movement device is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the lifting roof assembly. This segmentation allows the device to function independently for different purposes: attached to the lifting roof for roof elevation operations, and detached for lifting the entire vehicle cabin body from carrier vehicles, thereby increasing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the vehicle cabin is designed with minimal external dimensions, then the usable area is maximized, but the cabin cannot be loaded without additional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable interior volumeVSAvoidloading operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loading function is merged into the vehicle cabin structure itself through the integrated lifting device. This allows the cabin to be self-loading, eliminating the need for additional external loading equipment while maintaining minimal external dimensions and maximizing usable interior volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle cabin is equipped with its own integrated lifting device that enables it to perform loading operations on its own without requiring external assistance. This self-service capability allows the cabin to lift itself from carrier vehicles and facilitates loading operations independently, thereby maximizing usable space without compromising ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 self-loading of the vehicle cabin using on-board equipment, reducing the need for separate loading devices and simplifying the loading process, while allowing for efficient transportation of the vehicle cabin without additional equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The movement device is connected to the cabin body and the lifting roof in such a way that it can move the lifting roof in a first direction of travel from a retracted position to an extended position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

in a state released from the lifting roof, the movement device can be moved below a floor level of the vehicle cabin in a second travel direction, which is opposite to the first travel direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3909808B1Vehicle loading system for a vehicle cabin
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 LINDERMAYER LUDWIG
  • EP3909808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3909808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3909808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle cabin, a vehicle cabin loading system, and a method for loading vehicles with a cabin. The vehicle cabin comprises a cabin body, a lifting roof, and at least one movement device. The movement device is connected to the cabin body and the lifting roof such that it can move the lifting roof from a retracted position to an extended position in a first direction of travel. Furthermore, the movement device is detachably connected to the lifting roof at a first end. In a state detached from the lifting roof, the movement device can be moved below the floor level of the vehicle cabin in a second direction of travel, which is opposite to the first direction of travel.