Single-Winch Loading Platform With Alignment Roller Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading devices for utility vehicles are excessively complex, heavy, and expensive, and lack a simple, safe, and cost-effective method to load heavy cargo using a singular winch without additional cables, booms, hydraulics, rails, or ramps.
Innovation Solution
A loading system utilizing a singular winch with an alignment and transition mechanism, featuring a winch cable, ball-bearing rollers, and a loading adapter to align and secure a platform onto a utility vehicle without additional equipment, allowing for easy loading, securing, and unloading of heavy objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple winches and complex systems are used, then loading capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from complex loading systems. By using a single winch instead of multiple winches, and removing hydraulics, booms, rails, and ramps, the invention achieves heavy cargo loading capability with minimal components, directly resolving the contradiction between loading capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single winch system is designed to perform multiple functions: lifting the platform, aligning it through the guide roller, securing it in position, and enabling unloading. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components, maintaining productivity while reducing complexity
2Power
If additional equipment like hydraulics and booms are added, then loading power is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly avoids hydraulics and pneumatics, using only mechanical winch power. The winch cable system provides sufficient lifting and positioning power without the weight penalty of hydraulic pumps, reservoirs, hoses, and control valves that would be required in traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical systems (hydraulics, booms, rails) with a simpler cable-and-roller mechanical system. The winch cable working in conjunction with the guide roller and platform adapter provides all necessary mechanical advantage and positioning control without additional heavy components
3Device complexity
If a singular winch is used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment and control capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide roller acts as an intermediary between the winch cable and the platform. It mediates the cable's pulling force to automatically align the platform with the vehicle bed during lifting, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The guide roller introduces a rotational dimension to the system. By allowing the roller to rotate as the platform is lifted and pulled in, the system automatically converts the linear pull of the cable into proper angular alignment, simplifying control while maintaining alignment capability
4Productivity
If loading equipment is permanently installed, then loading efficiency is improved, but vehicle utility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is segmented into removable components (winch, guide roller, platform adapter) that can be independently installed and removed. This allows the system to be mounted only when needed for loading tasks, preserving the vehicle's full utility for other purposes while maintaining loading efficiency when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The components can be quickly installed onto the vehicle bed and just as quickly removed, allowing the vehicle to dynamically switch between loading mode and full utility mode, resolving the contradiction between loading efficiency and vehicle versatility
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, safe, and cost-effective loading and unloading of heavy cargo using a singular winch, maintaining platform alignment and control throughout the process, and allowing for easy stowage and preservation of vehicle functionality.
Implementation Method 1
ball-bearing rollers on the frame and loading adapter on the platform that enable the winch to singularly load the platform onto the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A winch activated loaded platform is described to enable single person loading and unloading of heavy objects into a cargo carrying vehicle, like a pickup truck. The device is installed in the vehicle and loads a platform into the vehicle with a singular electric winch, without the use of hydraulics, booms, or ramps. A novel sheet metal and ball bearing receiver aligns and transitions the platform from vertical to horizontal loading into the vehicle with a singular winch and winch cable. V-groove ball bearing wheels on the base and steel angle track on the platform reduce friction for loading and unloading of the platform. A system of horizontal and vertical latches keep the platform secure during transport. Cargo is secured with tie down points for large cargo such as motorcycles and sidewall mounts for loose materials and fragmented cargo. A removable and stowable frame section preserves functionality of a pickup truck tailgate.