Vehicle Tow Hitch Lifting Assembly with Modular Winch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lifting devices for vehicles are limited in their ability to handle heavy loads and require manual operation, posing risks of injury and inefficiency, especially for outdoor activities like hunting and construction, where they often lack versatility and modular support capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A dual-rail lifting assembly for vehicles that uses a modular design with an electric winch system for vertical control, allowing for various subassembly attachments to support different types of loads and tools, including large game animals, equipment, and materials, without requiring manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lifting methods are used for heavy objects, then no mechanical equipment is required, but the risk of bodily injury increases and lifting capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lifting with an electric winch system. The winch uses a motor-driven spool to wind a cable, providing mechanical advantage to lift heavy loads that would be impossible to lift manually, thereby increasing lifting capacity while maintaining safety through controlled mechanical operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable as an intermediary element between the winch and the load. The cable transmits the lifting force from the winch to the object, enabling safe and controlled lifting of heavy game animals or equipment without direct manual handling, thus improving safety while maintaining versatility.
2Reliability
If a dedicated lifting vehicle is purchased, then lifting capacity is sufficient for heavy loads, but the cost and vehicle availability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting system into separate, attachable components: a winch assembly, a cable system, and mounting brackets. These modular components can be attached to or removed from the vehicle as needed, providing sufficient lifting capacity when required while keeping the vehicle configuration simple and flexible for other uses when the lifting system is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional vehicle by adding an attachable lifting system to a general utility vehicle. The vehicle serves both as a transportation platform and, when equipped with the lifting attachment, as a lifting vehicle, eliminating the need to purchase a dedicated lifting vehicle while maintaining adequate lifting capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-application lifting devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility for different outdoor activities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal lifting system with a standardized winch assembly and cable configuration that can be attached to various vehicle types. The system can handle different load types including game animals, construction equipment, and materials, providing broad application range while maintaining relatively simple device structure through standardized components.
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 safe and efficient lifting and transport of heavy loads, reduces operator fatigue, and transforms a general utility vehicle into a versatile lifting vehicle capable of multiple applications, accommodating various outdoor tasks without the need for dedicated lifting equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The internal frame is vertically controlled by an actuation means, which preferably comprises an electric winch
Implementation Method 2
The internal frame is vertically controlled by an actuation means, which preferably comprises an electric winch and cable system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle-attached lifting device and tool support is provided. The device comprises a dual-rail frame supported in an upright configuration by the vehicle tow hitch, wherein an internal subassembly support frame is positioned between the rails for the purposes of supporting different lifting and tool support subassemblies. Along the sides of the upright frame is a pair of ground support members that extend downward towards the ground to support the frame during operation, preventing the load from compressing the vehicle suspension or damaging the same. A winch controls the vertical positioning of the support frame within the dual-rail frame, which controls the position of a lifting or tool support subassembly. Many subassemblies are contemplated for use with the present invention for the purposes of assisting a user without requiring manual input therefrom. The device can also adjust with relation to the vehicle using different trailer hitch attachments.