Motorized Horizontal Support System for Cargo Decking Beam Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo compartment systems lack an efficient and automated method to raise and lower decking beams for loading and unloading cargo, especially when under load, which is necessary for industries like Home Delivery and Last-Mile Delivery.
Innovation Solution
A motorized horizontal support system with vertical tracks, brackets, and a motor-controlled mechanism that allows for the selective raising and lowering of decking beams, using balance and lifting cables to maintain horizontal stability during movement, enabling operation with or without cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to raise and lower decking beams, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and ease of operation deteriorate due to inefficiency and inability to operate under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motorized system. A motor (212) connected to a cable (204) that winds around a spool (208) automates the raising and lowering of decking beams (106), eliminating the need for manual lifting while maintaining system controllability through a controller (202).
Solution Approach 2:
The balance cable (116) extending through the horizontal support (106) creates a self-balancing mechanism that automatically counterweights the decking beam assembly, reducing the motor's energy consumption and enabling controlled operation without requiring external counterweights or complex mechanical advantage systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If decking beams are lowered with cargo using conventional methods, then operational flexibility improves, but safety and control deteriorate due to lack of automated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The controller (202) receives input from an input device (220) and selectively controls the motor (212) to raise or lower the decking beams (106) to desired positions. This closed-loop control system enables precise positioning and safe operation with cargo, allowing the system to adapt to different loading scenarios while maintaining reliable control throughout the movement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable system (204, 116) acts as an intermediary between the motor (212) and the decking beams (106), transmitting force smoothly and controllably. The balance cable (116) passing through the horizontal support (106) provides additional mediation that distributes forces evenly, enhancing control and safety during cargo operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If balance cable extends through horizontal support, then horizontal stability is maintained during movement, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The balance cable (116) is nested within the horizontal support (106) by extending through an inner passageway (319) of the support. This nesting approach maintains horizontal stability during movement while avoiding external complexity, as the cable route is integrated into the existing horizontal support structure rather than requiring separate external guide 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
Enables efficient unloading of cargo without forklifts by allowing decking beams to be lowered with cargo, facilitating delivery to locations without specialized equipment, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first balance cable extending through the first inner passageway of the horizontal support, where the first balance cable includes a first end and an opposite second end
Implementation Method 2
a motor operatively engaged with the second bracket, where operation of the motor in a first direction causes the first and second brackets to slide upwardly along the respective first and second vertical tracks, and where operation of the motor in an opposite second direction causes the first and second brackets to slide downwardly along the respective first and second vertical tracks
Implementation Method 3
a controller with user input capability, where the controller selectively controls the operation of the motor to selectively raise or lower a vertical position of both of the first and second brackets upon the respective first and second vertical tracks in response to an input received from an input device
Data Source
AI summary
A motorized horizontal support system may include first and second vertical tracks that are configured to be installed upon opposing walls of a cargo compartment; first and second brackets that each slide along the respective first and second vertical tracks; a horizontal support disposed between and fixed with respect to the first and second brackets, where the horizontal support includes a first inner passageway extending along a length of the horizontal support; a first balance cable extending through the first inner passageway of the horizontal support; a motor operatively engaged with the second bracket, where operation of the motor may cause the first and second brackets to slide upwardly or downwardly along the respective first and second vertical tracks; and a controller with user input capability that may selectively control the operation of the motor.