Tail Lift Gap Protector With Elastic Sheet Retraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tail lift systems pose safety risks as items can become trapped or fall between the lift platform and the vehicle, with previous solutions either requiring excessive space or mechanical complexity, such as roller shutters, which are not feasible for all types of lifts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet protector device anchored to the load platform with an elastic fixing arrangement, which reorients to cover the gap between the tail lift and the vehicle, automatically deploying when the platform lowers and retracting when it raises, eliminating the need for additional space or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid bumper or cage structure is used to cover the gap, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheet material instead of rigid bumpers or cage structures to cover the gap between the load platform and vehicle. This flexible sheet can be easily deployed and stored, providing effective protection without the complexity and space requirements of rigid structures. The flexible nature allows it to conform to the gap geometry while remaining simple in design.
2Reliability
If a shutter or fence structure is used to block the gap, then safety is improved, but space requirements and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it automatically deploys when the load platform is lowered and can be stored when raised. This eliminates the need for permanent space-consuming structures while maintaining safety when needed. The sheet transitions between deployed and stored states based on platform position.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sheet can be stored within or alongside the load platform structure when not in use, similar to a nested doll configuration. This allows the protection mechanism to occupy minimal space when retracted while providing full coverage when deployed, resolving the contradiction between safety and space requirements.
3Productivity
If an automated lift system is used, then loading efficiency is improved, but safety risks from gap entrapment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet is positioned and deployed in advance before the load platform is lowered, creating a protective barrier before the gap forms. This preliminary action prevents items from becoming trapped or falling into the gap during the automated lifting operation, maintaining both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sheet acts as an intermediary element between the load platform and the vehicle body, filling the gap that would otherwise allow items to become trapped. This intermediary structure enables the automated lift to operate efficiently while preventing the harmful entrapment effect.
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
The solution effectively blocks the gap between the tail lift and the vehicle, reducing the risk of damage to items and enhancing safety without requiring power sources or additional space, while maintaining a low profile for easy loading and unloading.
Implementation Method 1
anchored to said load platform by an elasticated fixing arrangement... during movement of said load platform from said first position to said second raised position, said elasticated fixing arrangement contracts in order to thereby draw said device 3 into said main plane of said load platform; and during movement of said load platform from said second position to said first position, said elasticated fixing arrangement expands
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A load platform (1 ) configured for use as part of a tail lift on a vehicle, the load platform comprising a protector device (3) in the form of a flexible sheet (38) that is configurable, when said load platform is attached to a vehicle, to cover a gap between the tail lift and the vehicle, the tail lift characterised in that the protector device (3) is, at a first end, anchored to the load platform by an elasticated fixing arrangement and at a second end that is opposite the first end, configured for attachment to a supporting structure of the tail lift (10) or to a part of a given vehicle to which the tail lift is attached; wherein, upon the load platform being attached to a vehicle, when said load platform (1) is in a first position, substantially at ground level, said protector device (3) is oriented such that it occupies a plane that is substantially vertical and covering the gap as exists between the rear of the tail lift and the vehicle; when said load platform (1) is in a second position, substantially raised from ground level and at the level of the vehicle load deck, said protector device (3) is oriented such that it occupies a plane that is substantially parallel to a main plane of the load platform; and during movement of said load platform (1) from said first position to said second raised position, said elasticated fixing arrangement contracts in order to thereby draw said device 3 into said main plane of said load platform; and during movement of said load platform (1) from said second position to said first position, said elasticated fixing arrangement expands in order to thereby enable said device 3 as is attached to said supporting structure, to be drawn from said load platform (1) in order to cover said gap.