Sliding Cradle Cargo Loader for Heavy Equipment Securement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for loading and unloading large and heavy recreational equipment into vehicles are cumbersome and often result in equipment damage and driver distraction due to sliding or rolling during transport.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage and loading system featuring a base frame with a sliding support and a cradle that pivots between a flat holding position and an upright loading position, allowing for easy loading and unloading of equipment while securing it during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If equipment is loaded directly into the vehicle cargo area, then the loading process is straightforward, but the weight and bulk make it difficult for an individual to lift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a loading system comprising a base frame, sliding support, and cradle as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the equipment. The cradle supports the equipment during loading, allowing the user to manipulate the lighter cradle rather than directly lifting the heavy equipment. The sliding support enables the cradle to be positioned at the vehicle opening to facilitate easy transfer of equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If equipment is placed directly in the cargo area, then storage is simple, but the equipment may slide, roll, or move undesirably during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle acts as an intermediary between the equipment and the vehicle cargo area. It provides a dedicated support structure with containment features that prevent the equipment from sliding or rolling during transport, while maintaining a simple overall storage configuration when the cradle is in its retracted position.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding support mechanism allows the cradle to dynamically adjust its position between an extended loading position and a retracted storage position. This dynamic capability enables the system to provide active support during loading operations while maintaining a compact, stable configuration during transport.
3Reliability
If a fixed storage structure is used in the vehicle, then equipment is secured during transport, but the structure adds complexity and takes up cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sliding support mechanism that allows the cradle to move between extended and retracted positions along the base frame. This dynamic design provides equipment security when needed while minimizing structural complexity and cargo space consumption when the cradle is retracted, avoiding the need for permanent fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into modular components: a base frame attached to the vehicle, a movable sliding support, and a removable cradle. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while reducing overall system complexity compared to a monolithic fixed structure.
4Ease of operation
If the cradle is always in the extended position, then loading is easy, but the system occupies more cargo area and is harder to secure
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding support enables the cradle to dynamically transition between an extended position during loading operations and a retracted position during transport. This dynamic positioning allows the system to provide easy loading access when needed while minimizing cargo area occupation and facilitating securement when the cradle is retracted near the base frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage and loading system functions to load and unload an object or objects into and out of a vehicle cargo area, such as a trunk or truck bed, while also functioning to secure the object or objects during transport. A base frame rests in a vehicle cargo area and has sliding supports that move between a stored position and an extended position relative the vehicle cargo area. A cradle is supported by the sliding supports and holds an object, such as sporting or camping equipment. A loading hinge is attached between the cradle and the sliding supports. With the sliding supports in the extended position, the cradle pivots about the loading hinge from a holding position that is relatively flat or horizontal to a loading position that is upright or angled relative the holding position.