Sliding Basket Crossmember for Precise Car Stacker Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car transport stackers face challenges in optimizing vehicle nesting due to complex and costly mechanical or hydraulic drive systems, leading to inefficient loading and potential collisions during stacking, especially with single-axle configurations, where precise positioning is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A stacker design featuring a basket-type crosspiece that can freely slide between proximal and distal positions, eliminating the need for a central hydraulic cylinder or locking claws, and utilizing sliding and articulation members for easy positioning and locking, allowing for precise axle alignment without requiring manual locking or complex drive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central hydraulic cylinder with safety block is used to lock the basket-type crossmember, then the crossmember can be held securely in position, but the manufacturing cost increases and the space between end zones cannot be freed for optimal nesting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central hydraulic cylinder and safety block from the system. Instead, the basket-type crossmember is locked using two locking members located at the ends of the crossmember, which cooperate mechanically with holes provided on the side members. This extraction of the central locking mechanism simplifies the device and frees up space for optimal vehicle nesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented from a single central location to two distributed locking members at the ends of the crossmember. Each locking member independently locks the crossmember to the corresponding side member, distributing the locking function and eliminating the need for a central hydraulic system.
2Device complexity
If manual locking claws are used to secure the basket-type crossmember, then the device structure is simplified, but the locking operation becomes uncomfortable and dangerous for the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces locking members that cooperate with holes in the side members as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of the operator directly manipulating locking claws against spring force, the locking members engage with pre-provided holes, making the locking operation safer and more comfortable while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If translation pinions with synchronized rotation are used to move the crossmember, then precise positioning is achieved, but the weight of the stacker increases and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex and heavy translation pinion system with simpler locking members that engage with holes in the side members. This substitution uses cheaper, lighter components while maintaining adequate positioning precision for the application, significantly reducing the overall weight of the stacker.
4Measurement precision
If the basket-type crossmember is locked in position during stacking, then the car position can be precisely controlled, but the axle supported on the chassis moves forward or backward during tilting, increasing collision risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the basket-type crossmember movable during the stacking operation rather than locked in a fixed position. The crossmember can slide along the side members during tilting to accommodate the movement of the axle supported on the chassis, preventing collisions. After stacking, the locking members engage to secure the crossmember in the desired position, achieving both safety during operation and precision in the final position.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stacker intended to support two wheels of at least one axle of a car and intended to be mounted on a car carrier vehicle, comprising two lateral longitudinal members mechanically connected to each other by transverse elements in the vicinity of a first and a second end zone of the pair of longitudinal members, the first end zone comprising an articulation system for pivoting the stacker, the second end zone located at the level of a free end of the stacker comprising a basket-type cross member which connects the two longitudinal members, the basket-type cross member being mounted freely in sliding motion on the longitudinal members, between a proximal position and a distal position of the first end zone.