Pivoting Rail Ladder Rack for Roof Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ladder rack systems are limited in their ability to lower one end of the ladder close to the ground during loading/unloading, require significant force to pivot the rear portion when loaded, and are either complex and heavy or limited in height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A ladder rack system featuring a pivoting rail that extends vertically or at an angle for loading/unloading and pivots longitudinally for storage, with a carriage that slides along the rail, allowing easy movement and secure storage on the vehicle's roof, and includes a motorized assembly for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the rear pivoting mechanism is positioned higher to allow ladder storage on the roof, then the storage position is achieved, but it becomes harder to raise the bottom portion of the ladder to the rear hook during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rear support structure movable rather than fixed. The carriage assembly mounted on the pivoting arm can slide along the arm and pivot together with it, allowing the support height and position to change dynamically during loading and storage operations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to be low during loading (ease of operation) and high during storage (proper roof positioning).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the rear support structure into multiple independent components: a pivoting arm that can rotate, and a carriage assembly that can slide along the arm. This segmentation allows each component to move independently, enabling the carriage to be positioned at optimal heights for loading while the entire assembly can be raised for storage, thus resolving the height-versus-operability contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If the complete rear portion of the rack including the carriage is pivoted to move the ladder from side to roof position, then the ladder is moved to storage position, but a great amount of force is required especially for heavy ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the movement operation into two separate actions: first, the carriage assembly slides along the pivoting arm to position the ladder; second, the pivoting arm rotates to move the entire assembly from side to roof position. This segmentation of movement functions reduces the force required at any given moment compared to pivoting a rigid entire structure, as the sliding carriage can be repositioned with minimal force before the main pivoting action.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting arm acts as an intermediary between the fixed roof mounting and the movable carriage assembly. It provides a rotating connection that allows the carriage to be positioned at different locations and heights, facilitating the transition from loading to storage position while distributing the mechanical stress and reducing the peak force required for operation.
3Ease of operation
If a motorized rack assembly with telescoping members is used to extend the rear rack assembly, then the carriage member can be positioned closer to the ground for easier loading, but the system becomes relatively complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic movement through manual operation of the carriage assembly sliding along the pivoting arm, eliminating the need for motorized telescoping mechanisms. The system achieves the ability to position the carriage at various heights (including closer to ground for easier loading) through simple mechanical sliding and pivoting actions, thereby maintaining operational ease while avoiding the complexity and weight of motorized extension systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present document describes a ladder rack system for displacing a ladder between a loading/unloading position on one of a side, a front and a rear of a vehicle and a stored position on a roof top of a vehicle, the ladder having a first ladder end and a second ladder end, the ladder rack system comprising: a first assembly to be mounted on a first end of the roof top for receiving the first ladder end; and a second assembly to be mounted on a second end of the roof top at a distance from the first end for receiving the second ladder end, the second assembly comprising: a pivoting rail to be pivoted between the loading/unloading position in which the pivoting rail extends substantially vertically or at an angle on the one of a side, a front and a rear of the vehicle and the stored position in which the pivoting rail extends longitudinally along the roof top; and a carriage slidably mounted on the pivoting rail for receiving the second ladder end and for sliding along the pivoting rail when the pivoting rail is in the loading/unloading position; wherein when the carriage is slid on the roof of the vehicle, the pivoting rail can be pivoted in the stored position longitudinally along the roof top.