Motorized Carriage Drive for Vehicle Load Carrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load carriers for vehicles are inconvenient to handle due to the need for manual adjustment and lack of efficient holding mechanisms, leading to difficulties in operation and safety concerns when loading and unloading cargo.

Innovation Solution

A load carrier system with a motorized carriage drive and holding device that allows for easy adjustment and secure positioning without manual grasping, featuring a self-locking mechanism and optional wireless control, ensuring safe operation and reduced risk of accidental deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated motorized carriage drive system. The motorized drive automatically positions the carriage between rest and use positions, eliminating the need for manual grasping and adjustment while maintaining mechanical simplicity through electric actuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability through the motorized carriage drive, which can automatically move the carriage to different positions (rest position, use position, intermediate positions) based on control signals. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly improves ease of operation compared to static manual systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual holding device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of positioningVSAvoidcomplexity of holding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the carriage automatically maintains its positioned state without requiring additional manual holding devices. The carriage drive system inherently provides positioning security through its control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual latches or locks while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If quick adjustment is implemented, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of adjustmentVSAvoidease of control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual adjustment operations with automated motorized carriage drive controlled by electrical signals. This substitution enables rapid positioning (improving productivity) while maintaining ease of control through simple switch or button actuation, avoiding the complexity of manual quick-adjust mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If motorized carriage drive is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of drive system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a motorized carriage drive system that replaces manual mechanical adjustment. While this adds electrical components (motor, control circuitry), it eliminates complex manual mechanical linkages and holding devices, resulting in a net reduction of mechanical complexity while significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system enhances handling convenience, ensures secure cargo positioning, and prevents unauthorized operation by allowing controlled movement and locking of the carriage, improving safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

An electromotive drive principle is particularly preferred. This means that the slide drive contains one or more electric motors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a self-locking gear. This makes it possible, for example, for the carriage to exactly maintain the position moved to by the carriage drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2570305B1Load holder with a carriage and a carriage drive
Publication Date: 2014.04.23 WESTFALIA AUTOMOTIVE
  • EP2570305B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2570305B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2570305B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The load carrier has a carriage-guide base (11) for mounting at a load carrier housing (87) of a vehicle and a carriage (12) that is adjustable between a rest position (R) and a use position. A carriage drive (133a,133b) is manually actuated and electrically or fluidically switchable with a carriage drive switch and is provided for adjusting the carriage in the use position or the rest position. A receiver is provided for a wireless controller of the carriage drive switch.