Retractable Utility Vehicle Canopy for Weather-Protected Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles lack effective sun and rain protection for users performing work under the roof, particularly in conditions like pipe or sewer inspection.
Innovation Solution
A commercial vehicle is equipped with a body that includes an opening from which a roof can be extended, featuring a drive mechanism for easy extension and retraction, and designed to fit precisely into the opening, providing stability and protection against weather elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed roof structure is installed on the commercial vehicle, then sun and rain protection is provided, but the vehicle cannot adapt to different work site conditions requiring open access
Solution Approach 1:
The roof is designed as a movable, extendable structure that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design allows the roof to adapt to different work conditions: extended for weather protection during pipe inspection, retracted for unobstructed access to work areas, resolving the contradiction between fixed protection and operational adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If an extendable roof structure is added to the commercial vehicle, then adaptability to different work conditions is improved, but the structural complexity and potential instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
Guide elements are introduced as intermediary components between the roof and the vehicle body. These guide elements constrain the roof's movement path and provide lateral support during extension and retraction, simplifying the overall structural design by eliminating the need for complex self-stabilizing mechanisms while ensuring stable operation
3Strength
If the roof cross-section varies along its length, then the roof can be optimized for aerodynamics or structural strength, but manufacturing precision and fit into the opening become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The roof cross-section is designed with local quality variation: the first cross-section at the opening end matches the opening geometry for precise fitting, while subsequent cross-sections differ to optimize structural strength and aerodynamics. This localized differentiation allows the roof to achieve both precise installation and structural optimization without compromising manufacturing precision
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention proposes a commercial vehicle (1) with a body (3) having an opening (4). A canopy (5) can be extended from the opening (4) (see Fig. 1).