Load Carrier Holding Drive with Electrical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers for vehicles require cumbersome manual handling for adjusting the holding device, which can be inconvenient and prone to uncontrolled operation, especially when the vehicle is parked on a slope.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrical or fluidic holding drive with a drive switch that allows for easy operation of the holding member, enabling it to be switched between holding and release positions, and a controller that ensures safe operation based on activation conditions such as vehicle speed and proximity to the load carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a manual holding device is used for the load carrier, then the structure can be simple, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires complex mechanical transmission elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical holding device with an electrical or fluidic holding drive. The holding drive can be actuated electronically or hydraulically/pneumatically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission elements like Bowden cables while maintaining structural simplicity. This substitution improves ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating element is made easily accessible, then operation becomes easier, but mechanical transmission elements become more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By using an electrical or fluidic holding drive, the patent eliminates the need for mechanical transmission elements entirely. The actuating element (drive switch) can be positioned anywhere accessible to the operator without requiring complex cable routing or mechanical linkages, thus improving accessibility while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrical or fluidic intermediary system between the actuating element and the holding member. This intermediary (electrical wires or fluid lines) is much more flexible and easier to route than mechanical transmission elements, allowing the actuating element to be placed in an easily accessible location without creating mechanical complexity.
3Device complexity
If the holding device is manually operated, then the structure remains simple, but uncontrolled ejection may occur on slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical or fluidic holding drive provides more precise and reliable control compared to manual operation. It can be integrated with safety systems that detect vehicle inclination or operator presence, preventing uncontrolled ejection on slopes while maintaining relatively simple device structure through the use of standard actuation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables integration of feedback mechanisms with the holding drive. Sensors can detect conditions such as vehicle slope, carriage position, or operator proximity, and automatically control the holding drive to prevent uncontrolled operation. This feedback system enhances reliability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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
This solution simplifies the operation of the load carrier, prevents uncontrolled ejection, and enhances safety by ensuring the load carrier can only be adjusted when the operator is nearby and the vehicle is in a safe state.
Implementation Method 1
For example, it is possible for the at least one holding member to be spring-loaded into the holding position by a spring arrangement
Implementation Method 2
The holding drive can, for example, comprise an electromagnet, an electric motor and/or a fluid power motor
Implementation Method 3
The holding drive can, for example, comprise an electromagnet, an electric motor and/or a fluid power motor
Implementation Method 4
The holding drive can, for example, comprise an electromagnet, an electric motor and/or a fluid power motor
Implementation Method 5
The gear is expediently self-locking, e.g. due to a suitable sloping angle of a wedge bevel and/or by means of a self-locking spindle drive
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~12
Figure 5
AI summary
The carrier (10) has a carriage-guiding base (11) for mounting at a load carrier retainer of a vehicle, and a carriage adjustable between resting and usage positions. The carriage is arranged in the usage position when the carrier is mounted at the vehicle to support load in front of a rear end of the vehicle. A retaining device (30a) has a retaining unit (37), and held in a position with respect to the base. The device has an electric or fluidic retaining drive (33a) that is switchable by a drive switch (50a). The drive adjusts the unit in a retaining position and/or a releasing position.