Spare Wheel Lifting Device with Anchorage Position Indicator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for lifting and lowering spare wheels lack a clear and reliable method to confirm proper anchorage, leading to potential damage due to incorrect positioning, as increased mechanical effort cannot guarantee correct seating.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a visible signal, such as a colored marking or a luminous indicator, is integrated to confirm proper anchorage, and optionally an electric circuit with a proximity sensor and signaling device to automatically notify the user when the spare wheel is correctly positioned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system is operated mechanically by turning a wrench and pulling the flexible cable, then the actuator can lift and anchor the wheel, but it becomes difficult to determine if the wheel has been properly anchored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a colored marking on the cable that becomes visible through a window in the actuator housing when the wheel is properly anchored. This visual indicator resolves the information loss problem by providing clear feedback about the anchoring status without complicating the mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual signaling system between the mechanical anchoring action and the user's perception of success. The colored marking on the cable acts as an intermediary that translates the mechanical state (cable tension/position) into visible information, allowing users to confirm proper anchorage without adding mechanical complexity.
2Reliability
If increased mechanical effort is applied to the wrench, then the user may believe the wheel is properly anchored, but the wheel may not be seated correctly and cannot be fully inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing real-time visual information through the colored marking that appears in the window when the wheel is correctly positioned. This feedback mechanism prevents false assumptions about proper anchoring and allows users to verify correct seating before completing the operation, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The colored marking on the cable serves as a visual feedback mechanism that changes state (becomes visible) when the wheel is properly anchored. This color-based indicator resolves the information loss problem by providing unambiguous confirmation of correct positioning, eliminating reliance on subjective interpretation of mechanical resistance.
3Device complexity
If no visual or electronic signal is provided, then the device remains simple, but the user cannot verify proper wheel positioning and may experience damage from incorrect anchorage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple colored marking on the cable that provides reliable visual feedback without adding significant complexity. This approach achieves high reliability for wheel positioning verification while maintaining device simplicity, as the solution uses existing cable and actuator components rather than adding separate sensing or actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual signaling system acts as an intermediary layer between the mechanical anchoring mechanism and the user, providing verification information without requiring complex electronic sensors or actuators. This intermediary approach maintains device simplicity while dramatically improving reliability of positioning verification.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A device for lifting and lowering the spare wheel R of a vehicle comprises: an actuator 3, comprising an activation portion 31; at least one flexible cable 2, operated through the actuator 3; a hooking element 5, secured to one end of the flexible cable 2, for anchoring the wheel R in an adapted compartment 7. Said device comprises a safety device 4 which is adapted to signal to the user that the spare wheel has been successfully and properly anchored in the compartment 7.