Trunk Latch Tow Pad for Dolly Bin Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for transporting dolly-style trash bins are inadequate, particularly for consumers with difficult driveways or physical limitations, as they lack secure attachment mechanisms and protection for vehicles, and often fail to provide safe and efficient transport in adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transport device featuring a protective tow pad with compressible material and a bin handle cradle that securely attaches to a vehicle's trunk, using a trunk latch mechanism to prevent marking and damage, and includes a retainer to prevent the dolly handle from being jostled out during transport, with optional ball hitch mounting for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mounting devices are used to attach trash bin to vehicle, then transport capability is provided, but secure attachment is insufficient and vehicle protection is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three main segments: a protective tow pad for vehicle attachment and protection, a bin handle cradle for securing the dolly handle, and a retainer mechanism for additional handle security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tow pad acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle's trunk latch mechanism and the trash bin dolly. It provides a secure attachment point while protecting the vehicle surface, mediating the connection between the vehicle and the transported object.
2Strength
If rigid mounting structure is used for secure attachment, then attachment strength is improved, but vehicle surface protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective tow pad is made from a flexible material such as rubber, vinyl, or foam that can conform to the vehicle's surface and provide cushioning. This flexible material maintains attachment strength through friction and compression while protecting the vehicle surface from scratches and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials with complementary properties: a rigid or semi-rigid core structure for attachment strength, covered by a soft protective layer for vehicle surface protection. This composite approach achieves both strong attachment and surface protection simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If simple attachment mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but security against handle dislodgement is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is designed to preemptively secure the dolly handle in place before transport begins. The retainer prevents the handle from being jostled out during transport by providing a preliminary constraint that works together with the cradle's primary retention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If custom fit design is implemented for specific vehicle models, then vehicle protection is improved, but manufacturing versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective tow pad incorporates adjustable elements or comes in standardized size variations that can accommodate different vehicle models without requiring completely custom designs. Material properties such as thickness and hardness can be varied to suit different vehicle surfaces while maintaining the same basic design and manufacturing process.
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 device provides a safe, secure, and efficient means to transport dolly-style trash bins, reducing effort and risk for users, while protecting the vehicle from scratches and damage, and accommodating various vehicle models and weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the compressible material is positioned to cushion forces on the vehicle under the weight of a trash bin
Implementation Method 2
the compressible material forms the right wing portion and the left wing portion and is compressed between the trunk door and trunk jamb
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device for transporting a dolly-style trash bin using a vehicle includes a protective tow pad. The protective tow pad includes a trunk latch opening, a right wing portion extending to the right of the trunk latch opening, and a left wing portion extending to the left of the trunk latch opening, wherein the trunk latch opening is adapted to permit the operation of a trunk latch mechanism of a vehicle through the trunk latch opening to pinch the right wing portion and the left wing portion between a trunk door and a trunk jamb and thereby secure the transport device to the vehicle. The transport device further includes a bin handle cradle secured to the protective tow pad and adapted to receive a dolly handle of the dolly-style trash bin. A tandem trash bin arrangement is also disclosed.