Overhead Lift Assist System for UTV Cargo Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading and unloading cargo from utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) can be difficult, especially for older or disabled users, and poses safety concerns due to the weight and size of the cargo, necessitating a system for easier and safer handling.
Innovation Solution
An overhead lift assist system featuring a winch attached to the front of the UTV with a cable that extends over the cab and terminates in a hook, allowing for the easy and safe lifting of cargo into the vehicle's bed using rollers to maintain the cable's tautness and prevent contact with the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual loading of cargo is used, then the UTV can be operated without additional equipment, but it becomes difficult for one person to load heavy cargo and poses safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable system with pulleys and a winch as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the cargo. The cable extends from the front of the UTV over the cab to the rear, allowing the user to operate the winch from a safe position while the cable does the heavy lifting of moving cargo into the bed, eliminating direct physical contact with heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lifting with a winch-driven cable system. The winch uses a motorized or mechanically assisted drum to wind the cable, providing mechanical advantage that allows one person to move heavy cargo that would otherwise require multiple people or manual effort
2Ease of operation
If a cable system is used to lift cargo, then loading becomes easier and safer, but the cable may contact the vehicle causing wear or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rollers as intermediary elements that the cable passes over instead of directly contacting the vehicle body. These rollers are mounted on the cab and frame, providing a protected path for the cable that prevents abrasion from direct contact with sharp edges or rough surfaces on the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the cable path from direct surface contact to roller-supported contact. By transitioning the cable from rubbing against the vehicle body to rolling over supported surfaces, the system reduces friction and wear, extending cable life while maintaining the lifting function
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
Enables a single user to safely and efficiently load heavy cargo onto a UTV, reducing the risk of injury and improving accessibility for all users, regardless of age or ability.
Implementation Method 1
a winch coupled to a front portion of the utility terrain vehicle and operable to selectively retract the cable to load cargo on the utility terrain vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rollers maintaining the cable in a taut position
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead lift assist system enables cargo to be loaded on a utility terrain vehicle and includes a frame, a plurality of rollers, and a cable. The frame is couplable above a cab of the utility terrain vehicle and includes a plurality of rollers disposed along a longitudinal axis. The cable includes a first end positioned at a front portion of the utility terrain vehicle and a second end terminating in a loading connector. The cable has a length great enough to extend past a rear portion of the utility terrain vehicle. A winch is operable to selectively retract the cable to load cargo on the utility terrain vehicle.