Tailgate-Integrated Cable Lift for Heavy Cargo Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger vehicles lack integrated systems for simplifying the loading and unloading of heavy loads, and existing solutions for commercial vehicles are mechanically complex, maintenance-intensive, and inefficient in space usage.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle with an integrated lifting device in the tailgate, utilizing an electromotive traction cable system for raising and lowering loads, combined with a loading floor module, to minimize user effort and mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lifting device is integrated into the tailgate, then user effort for loading/unloading is reduced, but the tailgate structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is merged with the tailgate structure by integrating the take-up roller and cable system directly into the tailgate. The tailgate serves dual functions: as a closure component and as the mounting structure for the lifting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as the vehicle closure, the mounting structure for the lifting device, and the support element for the cable system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall structure.
2Force
If the tailgate frame is oversized to handle high loads, then lifting capacity increases, but the bending moment on the tailgate increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of symmetrically reinforcing the entire tailgate frame, the support elements are strategically positioned at specific asymmetric locations on the tailgate. This asymmetric placement optimizes the structural efficiency by concentrating reinforcement only where the cable forces are applied, reducing unnecessary material and minimizing bending moments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are pre-integrated into the tailgate structure during manufacturing, creating a reinforced structure before the lifting device is installed. This preliminary reinforcement ensures the tailgate can handle high loads without experiencing excessive bending moments during operation.
3Productivity
If loading racks with basket frames are used, then cargo can be transported into the trunk, but the mechanical structure becomes complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The complex basket frame structure is extracted and replaced with a simpler cable-based lifting mechanism. Only the essential lifting function is retained, while unnecessary mechanical components are eliminated, resulting in a simpler structure with fewer moving parts and reduced maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical basket frame system is replaced with an electromotive cable system. The lifting function is achieved through electric motors winding cables, substituting complex mechanical linkages and moving parts with a simpler electro-mechanical system that requires less maintenance.
4Volume of stationary object
If loading racks are not in use, then trunk space should be maximized, but the racks take up significant space or require complex assembly/disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device components are nested within the tailgate structure itself. The take-up roller, motor, and cable routing are integrated into the tailgate's internal structure, allowing the system to be compact when not in use and eliminating the need for separate storage space in the trunk.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is merged with the tailgate structure, eliminating the need for separate rack assemblies that would occupy trunk space. The system becomes part of the tailgate itself, maximizing available cargo space when the lifting function is not being used.
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 system efficiently handles heavy loads with minimal user stress, reduces mechanical complexity, and minimally impacts cargo space, allowing for easy integration into vehicle manufacturing or retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting device (10) comprises an electromotive traction cable system for raising and lowering at least one picked-up load (5)
Implementation Method 2
The ends of the cable harnesses are connected to one another via a crossbar (130), which serves as a load-bearing point for fastening the load (5). The suspended load or load is suspended via the crossbar.the load force is distributed across the parallel strands
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~2a
AI summary
The invention relates to a lifting device for integrating into a hatchback (7) of a motor vehicle, comprising an electric motor-operated traction cable system consisting of at least one load cable (170), at least one electric motor-driven receiving roller (150) for winding and unwinding the load cable, and a cable guide (180), by means of which at least two parallel cable sections can be guided out of the hatchback in the direction of the base, wherein the parallel running cable sections (171, 172) are connected at the end face by means of a support rod (130) in the form of a load receiving means.