Vehicle Dolly with Self-Elevating Axle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle dollies require manual assembly and operation, which is time-consuming, physically demanding, and poses safety risks due to the need for operators to exert force on a breaker bar and handle heavy components, often in uncomfortable positions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle dolly design featuring a frame with vertically slidable axle assemblies and hinged members that can be elevated by a tow truck, eliminating the need for manual assembly and force application, with locking mechanisms to secure the raised position and support wheels off the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly and operation of vehicle dolly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle dolly is designed to elevate itself using the vehicle's own weight and the towing mechanism. The dolly's frame and axle assemblies automatically position themselves when the vehicle is winched onto the dolly, eliminating the need for manual assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly is pre-configured with hinged members in open positions and locking mechanisms ready to engage. The frame and axle assemblies are positioned in advance to facilitate automatic engagement with the vehicle wheels, reducing operational steps.
2Reliability
If manual force application on breaker bar is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly uses self-latching mechanisms that automatically engage and lock the axle assemblies to the frame. The system uses the vehicle's own weight and the winching process to trigger automatic locking, eliminating manual force application and associated safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly incorporates pre-positioned locking mechanisms and hinged members that are designed to engage automatically during the winching process. These mechanisms are prepared in advance to catch and secure the vehicle wheels, preventing accidental releases or failures during operation.
3Productivity
If manual handling of heavy components is used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's own winching mechanism performs the work of positioning and securing the heavy dolly components. The dolly's frame and axle assemblies are automatically positioned and locked without requiring operators to manually handle heavy parts, significantly reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly uses the vehicle's winching system as an intermediary to perform the heavy lifting and positioning operations. Instead of operators directly handling heavy components, the winch mechanism mediates the interaction between the vehicle and dolly, automating the time-consuming manual handling tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame of a vehicle dolly includes a wheel cradle opening to receive a wheel of a vehicle to be towed. A hinged member is pivotally attached to the frame and is movable between an open position and a closed position to form part of a wheel cradle. A hinge activation device contacts the wheel within the wheel cradle opening and responsively moves the hinged member toward the closed position. The frame of the vehicle dolly is vertically slidably coupled to an axle assembly such that the frame can be raised and lowered. An extension member may extend from the frame and receive a tow truck stinger member, wherein the frame can be raised or lowered under motive force of the stinger member.