Tiltable Hauling Device for Single-Operator ATV Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transporting auxiliary vehicles, such as ATVs and mobility scooters, require assistance due to their weight and size, making it difficult for a single individual to load and unload them from vehicles, especially in remote areas where help is not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable hauling device made of lightweight materials that can be mounted to a vehicle's hitch, featuring a tilting mechanism for loading and unloading without ramps, a slideable deck extender to reduce incline, and a rotatable end gate for secure transport, allowing a single person to easily manage vehicles up to 700 pounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a traditional carrying rack is used to transport auxiliary vehicles, then the vehicle can be transported, but the rack is too heavy and cumbersome for a single individual to mount and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying rack is divided into multiple components including a receiver tube, cradle assembly, deck assembly, and gate assembly that can be separately assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows a single individual to easily mount and dismount the various parts without requiring assistance from others.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle assembly is designed to be tiltable relative to the receiver tube, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal transport position and a tilted loading/unloading position. This dynamic capability enables a single person to easily load and unload heavy auxiliary vehicles without requiring additional helpers.
2Ease of operation
If a ramp is used to load and unload heavy auxiliary vehicles, then loading becomes easier, but the ramp is heavy and takes up additional space in the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The loading ramp function is merged with the deck assembly itself. The deck is designed to tilt downward to form an integrated ramp structure, eliminating the need for a separate ramp component. This integration provides the loading function while avoiding the weight and space issues of a standalone ramp.
Solution Approach 2:
The deck assembly serves multiple functions: it provides a platform for securing the auxiliary vehicle during transport, and when tilted downward, it becomes a ramp for loading and unloading. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate loading equipment.
3Strength
If the carrying rack is designed to support heavy auxiliary vehicles up to 700 pounds, then it can transport all required vehicles, but a single individual cannot mount or operate it without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into lightweight modular components that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a single individual, yet when assembled, the structure provides sufficient strength to support auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The tiltable cradle assembly allows the operator to use gravity and mechanical advantage to load and unload heavy vehicles. By tilting the cradle, the operator can roll or guide the vehicle onto the deck without requiring significant lifting force, enabling a single person to operate the system despite its high load capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light-weight tiltable hauling device for transporting smaller, auxiliary vehicles, where such device mounts to the hitch of an automobile, truck, van, SUV, RV, or other similar motor vehicles, the device can be mounted and removed by a single individual, the auxiliary vehicle can be easily loaded and unloaded by a single individual, and the device can transport auxiliary vehicles weighing up to 700 pounds.