Load Carrier Functional Support with Multi-Joint Pivot Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers face challenges in maintaining cable routing simplicity and wear resistance, leading to potential operational safety issues due to frequent cable movement or kinking, especially when incorporating electrical components like lamps or license plate holders.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier with a multi-joint articulation arrangement that allows the expansion components to pivot about multiple axes and include a sliding guide, featuring a pivot bearing with a long bearing cavity to accommodate electrical lines, ensuring minimal twisting and distributing mechanical stress, along with support arms and steering arms for compact stowage and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the expansion component is positioned far away from the support base in the use position, then the mobility and functionality of the expansion component is improved, but the cable routing becomes more complex and prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes the electrical cable through the pivot axis dimension, creating a bearing cavity that runs along the pivot axis. This allows the cable to extend in the longitudinal direction of the pivot bearing rather than radially outward, reducing twisting and bending stresses during pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing cavity acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the pivoting expansion component and the stationary cable supply. The cavity provides a protected pathway that isolates the cable from the mechanical stresses of pivoting while still allowing necessary movement.
2Ease of operation
If the load carrier is designed to be compact in the rest position, then the ease of transportation and storage is improved, but the mobility and reach of the expansion component is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion component is segmented into multiple parts connected by pivot joints, including the support arm, expansion component itself, and cable carrier. This segmentation allows each segment to fold relative to others, enabling compact stowage while maintaining full mobility when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pivot joints that allow the expansion component to transition between compact and extended configurations. The multi-joint articulation arrangement provides dynamic adaptability, enabling the structure to change its form factor based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If a pivot bearing with a long bearing cavity is used to accommodate electrical lines, then the cable wear is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cable routing function with the pivot bearing structure by integrating the bearing cavity directly into the pivot bearing. This combination eliminates the need for separate cable protection mechanisms while providing inherent cable protection through the bearing cavity design.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the mechanical pivot joint for movement, houses and protects the electrical cable through its bearing cavity, and supports the expansion component. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced cable protection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
The carrier (10) has a carrying base (218) for carrying loads, and including a carrying frame (163). Extension components (216, 217) are movably mounted at a functional carrier (210) between a usage position (U) and a stowed position. The extension components are adjusted before the base at an outer space in the usage position, and adjusted to the base in the stowed position at a rest space by joint arrangements (215, 220). Each arrangement is designed as a multi-joint arrangement, and comprises a pivot bearing (22) with two bearing elements that are tiltably arranged around a drag axis (242).