Translating Cargo Assembly Rotary Actuator Linkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo systems for vehicles and trailers lack efficient mechanisms for translating cargo between transport and loading positions without requiring specialized configurations of the cargo frame, limiting versatility and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A translating cargo assembly with a rotary actuated translation mechanism, comprising a linkage system with fixed and moving pivots that maintain parallelism and constant spacing, allowing smooth rotation between positions, and a drive mechanism that can be integrated with the cargo frame without modifying existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional cargo system is used, then the cargo frame structure remains simple and fixed, but the cargo cannot be efficiently translated between transport and loading positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo assembly incorporates a dynamic translation mechanism that allows the cargo bed to move between fixed positions (transport and loading) rather than remaining static. The linkage system with pivots and links enables controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity throughout the range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a linkage system with fixed and moving pivots, a cargo bed, and a carrier frame. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to achieve smooth translation without requiring the entire structure to be complex.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a translating cargo assembly is added to a vehicle, then cargo accessibility is improved, but the cargo frame requires specialized configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The translation mechanism is designed with fixed pivots that remain stationary relative to the cargo frame and parallel to each other throughout the range of motion. This universal design allows the same mechanism to be applied to various cargo frame configurations without requiring specialized modifications to the frame itself.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the cargo frame to accommodate the translating assembly, the invention inverts the approach by designing the translation mechanism to work with standard cargo frame configurations. The fixed pivots attach to the existing frame while the moving components create the translation function, eliminating the need for specialized frame configuration.
3Ease of operation
If the moving pivots are allowed to move relative to the cargo frame during translation, then smooth rotation is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system employs asymmetric roles for the pivots: fixed pivots remain stationary relative to the cargo frame while moving pivots translate with the cargo bed. This asymmetric arrangement creates smooth rotational motion during translation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the fixed pivots provide stable reference points.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects hereof relate to a translating cargo assembly for a vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may include a translation mechanism, which may be affixed to a cargo frame of the vehicle. The translating cargo assembly may also include a carrier frame that is coupled with the translation mechanism and configured to mate with cargo implements. A drive mechanism, such as a rotary actuator, may be coupled with the translation mechanism. The rotary actuator may be effective to translate the carrier frame through a range of positions including a transport position, in which the carrier frame may be adjacent to the cargo frame, and a loading position, in which the carrier frame may be proximate ground level.