Motorized Rotating Arm Kayak Loading System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading and unloading kayaks onto vehicle roofs is difficult due to their size and weight, posing a risk of injury, especially when the vehicle is tall and no efficient system exists to secure and lift them from a manageable height.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mounting platform with rotating arm structures and a J-shaped support that can lower to the ground for easy loading, featuring a motor-controlled rotational axle and adjustable width kayak supports for securement, allowing transition between loading and stored positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a kayak is loaded directly onto the roof of a tall vehicle, then the loading height is too high making it difficult and dangerous to handle, but using a fixed roof rack system does not provide a mechanism to lower the loading point to a manageable height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic loading system with rotating arms that can transition between a raised position (for storage) and a lowered position (for loading). The arms rotate about horizontal axes, allowing the loading point to move vertically between approximately roof-level height and ground-level height, making kayak handling feasible for tall vehicles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical structure consisting of rotating arms and supports that mediate between the fixed roof rack and the ground. This intermediary system provides a movable loading platform that can be positioned at optimal heights for both storage and loading operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If kayaks are secured with fixed width supports, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate kayaks of different sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable-width supports that can be reconfigured to match different kayak dimensions. The supports include movable components that allow the effective width and configuration to be changed, enabling the same structure to accommodate various kayak sizes from narrow solo models to wider tandem models
3Ease of operation
If an individual attempts to load or unload a kayak without assistance on a tall vehicle, then solo operation is possible, but the risk of injury increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic arm system lowers the kayak to ground level for loading, eliminating the need for individuals to lift heavy kayaks overhead. This reduces the physical strain and injury risk associated with lifting 40-80 pound kayaks to high roof levels, enabling safe solo operation
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized rotation mechanism allows a single operator to control the loading process without assistance. The system self-adjusts the arm positions and support heights, reducing the physical effort required and minimizing injury risk while maintaining solo operation capability
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 safe and efficient loading and unloading of kayaks by reducing the height difference and providing secure attachment, minimizing the risk of injury and facilitating solo operation.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is in communication with the rotational axle and adapted to rotate the rotational axle. Consequently, a user can easily transition the system between a stored configuration and a loading configuration by controlling the rotation of the axle.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for loading items onto a vehicle. The system allows a support to be easily lowered from, for example, the roof of a vehicle towards the ground. The items to be loaded are secured in the supports at a much lower height than the roof of the vehicle to reduce the possibility of injury and eliminate the need of an additional person for loading and unloading objects onto the roof of a vehicle. Once the item is loaded onto the supports, the system can raise the item onto the roof and secure it in a safe position for transportation.