Rollback Wrecker Bed and Wheel Lift for Chain-Free Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional rollback wrecker vehicles face challenges in safely and efficiently loading and unloading vehicles without damage, particularly due to inadequate securing methods that can lead to accidents and injuries, and often require chains that can damage the towed vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A rollback wrecker vehicle design featuring a pivotable truck bed that slides back and tilts downwards using a hydraulic motor and threaded rod assembly, combined with a wheel lift device powered by a hydraulic cylinder, to create a ramp-like structure for safe and damage-free towing, eliminating the need for chains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chains are used to secure the towed vehicle, then the vehicle can be fastened to the wrecker, but the towed vehicle may be damaged and the securing process becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional chain-based mechanical fastening system with a hydraulic wheel lift device that uses hydraulic pressure to secure and lift the towed vehicle's wheels. This substitution eliminates the damaging effects of chains while maintaining securing reliability through the hydraulic lifting mechanism that firmly holds the vehicle in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic motor system to power the wheel lift device and control the truck bed's tilting and sliding movements. The hydraulic system provides controlled, damage-free securing of the towed vehicle through fluid pressure, replacing the harmful mechanical action of chains while ensuring reliable fastening.
2Productivity
If the truck bed is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the wrecker cannot efficiently load vehicles in confined spaces and loading time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed truck bed into a dynamic structure capable of tilting and sliding movements. The truck bed is equipped with a hydraulic motor and threaded rod assembly that enable it to adjust its position and angle, creating a ramp-like structure for efficient vehicle loading. This dynamic capability significantly improves loading speed while the controlled movement mechanism manages the complexity through systematic design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic motor connected to a threaded rod assembly to control the truck bed's tilting and sliding motions. The hydraulic system provides powered, controlled movement that enables the bed to form a ramp structure for loading vehicles, particularly in confined spaces. This hydraulic actuation system manages the mechanical complexity while delivering the productivity benefits of rapid, adaptable loading.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the truck bed tilts and slides to form a ramp structure, then vehicle loading is safer and damage-free, but the mechanism requires additional hydraulic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the truck bed's tilting and sliding functions into a single integrated hydraulic system. The hydraulic motor connects to the threaded rod assembly, which coordinates both movements simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate mechanisms for tilting and sliding, while still achieving safe, damage-free loading through the controlled ramp formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system serves multiple functions: it powers the wheel lift device for securing vehicles, controls the truck bed's tilting motion to form the loading ramp, and manages the sliding movement for position adjustment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems, managing complexity while delivering comprehensive protection against loading damage.
4Ease of operation
If drivers manually secure vehicles using traditional methods, then the process is straightforward, but drivers are exposed to traffic and suffer injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wrecker to perform the securing operation autonomously through the hydraulic wheel lift device. The system self-secures the towed vehicle by hydraulically lifting and positioning its wheels onto the truck bed, eliminating the need for drivers to manually handle chains or fasteners near passing traffic. This self-service capability maintains operational simplicity while removing drivers from hazardous exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical securing operations with an automated hydraulic system. The hydraulic motor and threaded rod assembly automatically control the truck bed's movements and the wheel lift device's operation, substituting the dangerous manual chain-handling process with automated hydraulic actuation. This substitution preserves ease of operation through centralized control while eliminating driver injury risk from traffic exposure.
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
The design enhances safety and efficiency by allowing secure and damage-free loading and unloading of vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, and enabling quicker operation in confined spaces without using chains.
Implementation Method 1
The truck bed is designed to slide back and tilt for safe and damage-free loading of vehicles using a hydraulic motor and a threaded rod assembly
Implementation Method 2
The truck bed is designed to slide back and tilt for safe and damage-free loading of vehicles using a hydraulic motor and a threaded rod assembly
Implementation Method 3
The wheel lift device includes a lift member and yokes for securing wheels of the towing vehicle and a hydraulic cylinder for lifting the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A rollback wrecker vehicle is disclosed. The wrecker vehicle features a pivotable truck bed, which can slide back and tilt downwards to form a ramp-like structure, facilitated by a hydraulic motor and a threaded rod assembly. The wrecker vehicle is particularly advantageous in confined spaces, enabling safer and more efficient vehicle loading onto the wrecker deck without causing damage. Additionally, the truck bed, varying in length from 15 to 24 feet, incorporates C-channels along the threaded rod assembly for added support and alignment. A wheel lift device is included which slides along the truck bed and employs a hydraulic cylinder to lift vehicles. The device includes a wheel lift member with yokes and a hydraulic cylinder for lifting vehicle wheels.