Rear Load Carrier Automatic Locking for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear load carriers require complex folding mechanisms and removable components, leading to increased complexity, space requirements, and potential damage during handling, especially when transitioning from load-carrying to transport positions.
Innovation Solution
A rear load carrier design with vertically extending carrying parts in the transport position, featuring a pivoting mechanism for the license plate holder and a locking device that automatically releases when support parts move, allowing for a simple, compact, and inexpensive construction that does not require a removable or pivotable mounting bracket, ensuring easy handling and reduced risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mounting bracket is designed to be removable or pivotable to enable folding, then the rear load carrier can be folded for compact storage, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The rear load carrier is divided into separable components: a base part that remains fixed and carrier parts that can be detached. This segmentation allows the mounting bracket to remain simple and fixed while still enabling folding capability through the separable design.
2Ease of operation
If the license plate holder remains in horizontal position during folding, then it maintains its functional position, but it obstructs the movement of support parts and creates harmful forces
Solution Approach 1:
The license plate holder is designed to change its position dynamically during the folding process. It pivots from a horizontal functional position to a vertical folded position, allowing the support parts to move freely without obstruction or creation of harmful forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The license plate holder automatically pivots to the vertical position before the support parts complete their folding movement. This preliminary action prevents obstruction and harmful forces from developing during the folding process.
3Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of the locking device is required during folding, then the license plate holder can be repositioned, but the handling becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically release and re-engage during the folding and unfolding processes. The license plate holder self-repositions without requiring manual manipulation, making the system easier to operate while the automatic locking mechanism manages itself through the movement of support parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rear load carrier (1) comprising a base part (2) with a connection device (3) for attachment to a vehicle-side trailer coupling, a first support part (4) and a second support part (5) which are attached to opposite sides of the base part (2) and are each pivotable about an associated support part pivot axis (6, 7). A license plate holder (9) is arranged on the rear of the base part (2), which can be moved between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially vertical position via a pivoting mechanism (17) about a license plate holder pivot axis (18), and a locking device (25) is provided which releasably locks the license plate holder (9) in its substantially horizontal position.The locking device (25) is designed such that the locking of the license plate holder (9) is automatically released when the first support part (4) and/or the second support part (5) is moved from its load-bearing position to its transport position.