Vehicle Load Carrier Locking to Protect Pivot Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carrier devices for vehicles suffer from operational unreliability and reduced service life due to excessive wear on pivoting mechanisms, particularly when transporting loads under dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A carrier device with a locking mechanism that applies a force between the fastening and support arrangements, reducing the load on pivoting devices by clamping them together, thereby minimizing wear on swivel mechanisms and increasing service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the carrier device uses a pivoting mechanism to allow the support to rotate relative to the fastening arrangement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to wear on the pivoting components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated before the carrier device is subjected to significant loads during transport. By pre-engaging the locking mechanism to clamp the support arrangement against the fastening arrangement, the pivoting components are protected from wear-causing forces before any harmful wear can occur, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device acts as a protective measure that is engaged in advance to cushion the pivoting components against wear. By clamping the support arrangement to the fastening arrangement before transport forces are applied, the invention prevents wear on the pivoting mechanism while preserving its rotational functionality for loading and unloading operations
2Ease of operation
If the carrier device allows the support to pivot relative to the fastening arrangement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the service life deteriorates due to wear on the pivoting device
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is engaged before the carrier device undergoes transport operations, preliminarily clamping the support arrangement to the fastening arrangement. This preliminary action prevents wear on the pivoting components during transport while maintaining the ability to pivot during loading and unloading, thereby extending service life without compromising ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves as a protective cushion that is activated in advance to shield the pivoting device from wear. By clamping the support to the fastening arrangement before transport forces are applied, the invention extends the service life of the pivoting components while preserving their functional mobility for operational purposes
3Reliability
If the locking device clamps the support arrangement against the fastening arrangement, then the reliability is improved, but the force acting on the locking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the transport forces themselves to enhance its clamping effect. When the vehicle accelerates, brakes, or encounters uneven surfaces, these forces cause the support arrangement to press against the fastening arrangement, which in turn increases the clamping force of the locking device, thereby improving reliability without requiring additional active force application
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A carrier device (2) is provided for securing a load to a vehicle. The carrier device (2) comprises: a fastening arrangement (6) configured to fasten the carrier device (2) to the vehicle; a support arrangement (8) with a support (10) for the load and a pivoting device (20) configured to pivot the support (10) relative to the fastening arrangement (6); and a locking device (24) with a relief device configured such that, when the locking device (24) is engaged, a force acts between the fastening arrangement (6) and the support arrangement (8), reducing a load on at least part of the pivoting device (20).