Tow-Bar Load Carrier Support With Swing Arm and Retractable Wheel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Load carriers on towing vehicles obstruct trunk access and require frequent mounting and demounting, especially in vehicles like camper vans, and lack stable support during travel.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a coupling device, movable arm, and wheel assembly that allows the load carrier to be swung away from the trunk while mounted, featuring a wheel that supports the load carrier on the ground when parked and retracts for travel, with locking mechanisms to ensure safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the load carrier is firmly attached to the tow bar for stable support during travel, then the load carrier remains securely mounted, but the trunk access is obstructed when the vehicle is parked
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs a movable arm that can dynamically change position between a first position (supporting the load carrier during travel) and a second position (allowing trunk access). This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, providing stable support when needed and clear access when parked.
2Ease of operation
If the load carrier is frequently mounted and demounted from the tow bar for trunk access, then the trunk can be accessed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete demounting of the load carrier from the tow bar, the system uses a movable arm that can be quickly repositioned between supporting and non-supporting configurations. This dynamic adjustment allows trunk access without the time-consuming process of fully mounting and demounting the load carrier, significantly reducing the time loss while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the wheel assembly is positioned to support the load carrier on the ground when parked, then stable support is provided, but the wheel contacts the ground during travel causing friction and preventing compact form
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assembly is designed to be movable between a retracted configuration (for travel) and an extended supporting configuration (when parked). During travel, the wheel assembly is retracted to prevent ground contact and achieve a compact form. When parked, it can be extended to provide stable ground support, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and compactness through dynamic reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If the movable arm is locked at the closed position for stable support, then the load carrier is securely held, but the trunk access is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a movable arm with adjustable positioning between a closed position (providing secure holding) and an open position (allowing trunk access). The arm can be dynamically repositioned based on operational needs, eliminating the need to choose between secure holding and trunk access. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both functions at different times through flexible positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
In a first aspect, a support structure for a load carrier of a towing vehicle is provided. The support structure comprises a coupling device couplable with a tow bar; a fixed arm fixedly connected to the coupling device; and a movable arm pivotably connected to the fixed arm. The movable arm is configured to support the load carrier to pivotably move the load carrier relative to the fixed arm. The movable arm is configured to pivot between a closed position and an open position to pivotably move the load carrier relative to the fixed arm. The support structure further comprises a wheel assembly having a wheel support movably connected to the movable arm and a wheel. The wheel assembly is configured to move between: a supporting position to rest the wheel on the ground; and a hidden position to prevent the wheel from contacting the ground. The support structure additionally comprises a wheel assembly - fixed arm locking assembl to lock the movable arm at the closed position relative to the fixed arm when the wheel assembly is at the hidden position. In a further aspect, a load carrier assembly comprising a load carrier supported by the support structure is provided.