Vehicle Load Carrier Lifting Unit with Segmented Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load carriers for vehicles, such as mobile homes and caravans, are complex and expensive, requiring significant effort to attach and detach loads, particularly for smaller or physically disabled individuals, and often cannot be adapted to various vehicle types or loads efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A load carrier with a flexible lifting unit featuring standardized fastening means on both the load and vehicle sides, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of different load holders, such as bicycle carriers, ski boxes, and surfboard holders, using a single lifting unit that can be adapted to various vehicles and loads, with a locking mechanism to secure loads during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lift system is used to raise loads to high mounting positions, then loading becomes easier and safer, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented from the load carrier itself and implemented as a separate, independently controllable lifting unit. This allows the load carrier to remain simple while the lifting function is provided by a dedicated mechanism that can be activated only when needed, rather than requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting unit acts as an intermediary between the ground level and the high mounting position on the vehicle. This intermediary mechanism temporarily bridges the height gap during loading/unloading operations, then retracts or lowers back to its original position, providing lifting assistance without permanently complicating the load carrier structure.
2Reliability
If load carriers are mounted high on vehicles for visibility, then safety is improved, but the complexity of fixing loads increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting unit serves as a mediator that temporarily changes the mounting height during loading operations. Loads are first attached at ground level using simple fastening means, then the lifting unit raises them to the high mounting position for safe transport, eliminating the need for complex high-position fixing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means are engaged in advance at ground level before lifting occurs. This preliminary fastening action is simpler and more accessible, allowing users to secure loads before the lifting operation begins, rather than attempting to fasten loads at difficult-to-reach high positions.
3Reliability
If specialized lift systems are designed for specific vehicles, then performance is optimized, but adaptability to different vehicle types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting unit is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different vehicle types and configurations. By using standardized mounting interfaces and adjustable positioning, the same lifting unit can be installed on various vehicle platforms, making the system both high-performing and widely adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting unit incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can adapt to different mounting positions and vehicle geometries. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize its performance for each specific vehicle application while maintaining the same core lifting mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load carrier for a vehicle (2) such as a car, motorhome, caravan, or the like is proposed, wherein at least one load holder (3) is provided for the detachable fixing of at least one load such as a bicycle, e-bike, pedelec, scooter, ski box, etc., wherein at least one lifting unit (4) for raising and lowering the load holder (3) and vehicle-side fastening means (5, 7) for attaching the lifting unit (4) to the vehicle (2) are provided, which can be implemented with minimal effort and thus, in particular, also cost-effectively. This is achieved according to the invention by the lifting unit (4) comprising fastening means (5, 7) on the load side opposite the vehicle side for the detachable fastening of the load holder (3), and by the load holder (3) having fastening means (6, 8) for detachable attachment to the lifting unit (4).