Retractable Transport Platform for Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle transport platforms are inefficient in utilizing space, as they leave significant gaps between decks and hinder side-loading, resulting in underutilization of cargo capacity when used for freight transport, and are not easily retractable, leading to potential damage and reduced load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A transport platform with retractable longitudinal beams and tilting flat structures, actuated by vertical elevating columns and hydraulic mechanisms, allowing for maximum vehicle proximity and side-loading capabilities, maintaining cargo capacity when converted for freight transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a double-deck design with separation deck is used, then vehicle transport capability is improved, but space utilization is reduced and side-loading is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple independent elevators that can be interspersed along the longitudinal axis, with each elevator serving specific axles. This segmentation allows the separation deck to be positioned only where needed between axles, maximizing space utilization while maintaining vehicle transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation deck is made movable through hydraulic elevators that can independently adjust the height of each platform section. This dynamic adjustment allows the deck to adapt to different loading configurations, enabling both vehicle transport and side-loading operations.
2Volume of moving object
If mechanisms that lift each car axle independently are used, then space utilization is improved, but side-loading capability is lost and structural robustness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The independent axle lifting mechanism is implemented through multiple discrete elevators positioned at specific locations along the platform. Each elevator handles specific axles, allowing maximum proximity between vehicles while maintaining a robust overall structure through the distributed elevator arrangement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If retractable means are used for vehicle transport, then versatility is improved, but mechanism complexity and potential damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform incorporates movable separation decks that can be dynamically adjusted between vehicle transport and cargo transport configurations. The hydraulic elevator system provides controlled movement of platform sections, enabling easy conversion between modes while maintaining structural integrity through engineered movement paths.
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 use of space by allowing two rows of vehicles to be transported in a cargo truck, maintaining load capacity and structural robustness, while allowing for safe and flexible vehicle positioning and easy conversion between vehicle and cargo transport modes.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic mechanisms, allowing for maximum vehicle proximity and side-loading capabilities
Implementation Method 2
mounted on said platform by means of an elevation mechanism which may comprise at least two vertical elevating columns
Implementation Method 3
Two tilting flat structures (8) are mounted between every two beams (5 and 6) located at the same height... each one of which connects the flat structure to the longitudinal beam of one side
Data Source
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AI summary
Transport platform comprising an elevating mechanism where two longitudinal beams (5 and 6) are mounted being positioned at the same height, between which at least a tilting flat structure (8) is mounted, consisting of a telescopic frame formed by two U-shaped rims (16) having the side branches (17) thereof aligned and telescopically related.