Nested Track Trolley Loader for Small Delivery Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery vehicles face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading items due to the need for increased structural integrity and size to accommodate loading/unloading devices like fork trucks or cranes, which is not feasible for smaller vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electric/hydraulic loading/unloading device with a range of motion in multiple degrees, driven by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid generated by an electric motor, and equipped with outriggers for stability, allowing easy installation on various vehicles to facilitate loading and unloading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fork truck or crane is attached to a delivery vehicle, then loading and unloading operations can be performed, but the structural integrity and overall size of the delivery vehicle must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate, removable loading/unloading device that acts as an intermediary between the delivery vehicle and the cargo. This device can be attached when needed and removed when not needed, allowing loading/unloading operations without permanently modifying or increasing the structural integrity requirements of the delivery vehicle itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading/unloading function is segmented from the delivery vehicle into a separate, independent device. This segmentation allows the vehicle to maintain its original structural integrity while the separate device provides the required loading/unloading capability when attached.
2Ease of operation
If a fork truck or crane is attached to a delivery vehicle, then loading and unloading operations can be performed, but the overall size of the delivery vehicle must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading device is segmented as a separate, attachable component rather than being integrated into the vehicle body. This allows the vehicle to maintain its original size while the separate device provides additional functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading/unloading device is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable, allowing the vehicle size to change only when the device is attached for operational purposes, rather than permanently increasing the vehicle's overall dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If a fork truck or crane is attached to a delivery vehicle, then loading and unloading operations can be performed, but smaller delivery vehicles cannot readily be equipped with such devices
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading device is designed with universal attachment capabilities that can be adapted to different vehicle sizes and types. The device can be configured to work with smaller delivery vehicles as well as larger ones, providing broad versatility and compatibility across different vehicle platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to interface with local features on various vehicle types, allowing the same loading/unloading device to be adapted to different vehicle sizes and configurations by modifying only the attachment interface rather than the entire 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
Enables efficient and stable loading/unloading of items on both larger and smaller delivery vehicles, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
driven by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid generated by at least one electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A loading/unloading device for delivering an item(s) to be delivered. The loading/unloading device includes an outer nested track; an inner nested track nested within the outer nested track; a curved generally U-shaped guide track nested within the inner nested track; and a movable trolley accommodated and movable along the curved generally U-shaped guide track. A drive motor being is supported by a first end of the curved generally U-shaped guide track for conveying the movable trolley back and forth along the curved generally U-shaped guide track for loading and unloading the item(s) to be delivered. A delivery vehicle, including at least one loading/unloading device for delivering the item(s) to be delivered, is also disclosed.