Nested Trolley Guide Track for Small-Vehicle Cargo Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery vehicles face challenges in loading and unloading cargo 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 efficient loading and unloading of cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fork truck or crane is attached to a delivery vehicle to enable loading and unloading operations, then the loading and unloading capability is improved, but the structural integrity and overall size of the delivery vehicle must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading device is extracted from the delivery vehicle as a separate, removable component. The device can be detached and stored in a compact form, eliminating the need for permanent structural modifications to the delivery vehicle while maintaining loading/unloading capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading/unloading device transitions between extended operational positions and retracted storage positions. The guide track system allows the device to dynamically change its configuration, extending outward during loading/unloading operations and retracting to a compact form during transport, thereby avoiding the need for increased vehicle structural integrity.
2Productivity
If a fork truck or crane is attached to a delivery vehicle to facilitate loading and unloading, then the loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase for smaller vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The loading/unloading device is divided into separate modular components including the guide track, trolley, and lifting mechanism. These segmented components can be independently installed and adjusted on smaller delivery vehicles without requiring complex integration, thereby maintaining loading/unloading efficiency while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The trolley nests within the guide track structure, and the entire assembly can be stored in a compact configuration that fits on smaller vehicles without requiring complex mounting systems, thus improving productivity while minimizing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the delivery vehicle is equipped with a loading/unloading device that has extended range of motion, then the versatility and adaptability of the device is improved, but the device size and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide track is designed with curved sections that enable the trolley to achieve multi-directional movement and extended range of motion. The track curvature allows the device to adapt to different loading positions and angles without requiring a proportionally larger device structure, thereby improving versatility while controlling device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide track incorporates vertical and horizontal curvature to provide three-dimensional movement capability for the trolley. This dimensional approach allows the device to achieve extensive adaptability and range of motion by utilizing spatial curvature rather than simply increasing the linear size of the device structure.
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 cargo on both large and small 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.