Vehicle Object Transfer Apparatus Gear Rail Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage systems require significant effort to move large or heavy objects between lower accessible and upper storage positions, posing safety risks and being impractical for non-emergency vehicles due to complexity and limited versatility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted apparatus with a stationary mounting frame and carriages equipped with gears or sprockets that interlock with rails, powered by a motor to facilitate easy transfer of objects between positions, using a minimal number of moving parts and adaptable for various types of vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual transfer methods are used to move objects between lower and higher positions, then device complexity is reduced, but the effort required and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (hydraulic cylinders, winches, cables) with a simplified gear-rail mechanism. The carriage engages with the rail through gear interlocking, providing mechanical advantage through the gear ratio rather than through complex hydraulic or cable systems. This substitution maintains ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable carriage that can engage and disengage from the rail as needed. The carriage includes movable components that allow it to adapt to different object weights and transfer conditions. This dynamic design enables the system to handle varying loads efficiently without requiring over-engineered fixed mechanisms.
2Force
If hydraulic cylinder systems are used to power the lift arm, then the ability to move heavy objects is improved, but device complexity increases and coordination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from complex hydraulic systems and replaces it with a simple electric motor or manual crank mechanism. The force multiplication is achieved through the gear-rail engagement rather than hydraulic pressure, eliminating the need for hydraulic cylinders, fluid reservoirs, and coordination systems while maintaining adequate lifting force for heavy objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear-rail interface acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates small input forces from a simple motor or crank into large lifting forces. The gear teeth interlocking with the rail provide mechanical advantage, serving as a mediator between the power source and the load, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic force transmission.
3Force
If winch and cable systems are used to move objects, then the ability to lift objects is improved, but device complexity increases and suitability for heavy objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces winch and cable systems with a direct gear-rail engagement mechanism. Instead of using cables that wrap around drums, the carriage gears mesh directly with the rail teeth, providing a more direct and efficient force transmission path. This substitution maintains lifting capability while reducing complexity and improving suitability for heavy, elongated objects.
4Force
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to coordinate lifting action, then the ability to handle heavy loads is improved, but reliability decreases due to wear and coordination difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hydraulic cylinders into a single integrated gear-rail mechanism. The carriage engages with the rail at multiple points through its gear teeth, distributing the lifting force across multiple contact points without requiring multiple independent power sources. This unified mechanism eliminates coordination issues and wear associated with multiple hydraulic cylinders while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads.
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 apparatus reduces the effort required to move objects, enhances safety by minimizing manual handling, and is versatile enough to handle a range of objects and vehicles, including non-emergency vehicles, with a simplified design that reduces wear and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a gear or sprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with the rail
Implementation Method 2
a power drive operatively attached to the tray and capable of rotating one or both of the gears or sprockets
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position, which is particularly useful on vehicles. The present invention also relates to a method of transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position.