Vehicle Storage Dolly with Center Point for Stable Vertical Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage solutions, such as motorcycle lifts and dolly systems, do not effectively utilize vertical space and can lead to tipping or dislodgement of vehicles during storage, particularly in limited spaces like garages or storage lockers, and often require equipment like forklifts that may not be available.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage apparatus comprising a lifting jack with spaced apart lifting tines, a reversibly couplable dolly, and a centre point device to determine weight distribution, allowing even attachment to inhibit tipping and dislodgement, using a movable dolly and hydraulic or pneumatic systems for lifting, with optional wheel locks and straps for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motorcycle lift or dolly system is used to elevate the vehicle, then the vehicle can be stored off the ground for easier access and maintenance, but the system does not utilize vertical space effectively and may lead to tipping or dislodgement of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal storage (ground level) to vertical storage (elevated position), utilizing the vertical dimension of the garage space. The dolly system elevates motorcycles to stored positions above ground level, effectively using unused vertical space while maintaining vehicle accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering device determines the longitudinal center of gravity of the motorcycle before the lifting operation. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-position the dolly at the correct location, ensuring balanced weight distribution and preventing tipping during the lifting and storage process.
2Volume of moving object
If a forklift-based storage rack system is used, then vertical space can be utilized for storage, but the system is large and requires equipment that may not be available in typical storage situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of vertical lifting from complex forklift equipment and implements it through a simpler, self-contained dolly system with integrated lifting mechanisms. The motorcycle lift functionality is separated from the need for external forklift equipment, creating a standalone solution suitable for typical garage environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly system is designed to be self-sufficient, with integrated lifting mechanisms that do not require external forklift equipment. The system performs its own lifting and positioning functions, making it suitable for typical garage environments where forklifts are not available.
3Ease of operation
If a dolly system is used to elevate wheels off the ground, then the vehicle can be more easily manoeuvred into tight spaces, but the system does not enable utilization of vertical space within a storage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines horizontal manoeuvrability (ground-level dolly movement) with vertical storage (elevated positioning). The system first enables easy manoeuvring into position at ground level, then transitions to vertical storage by elevating the motorcycle to an elevated stored position, utilizing both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
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 efficient use of vertical space for multiple vehicle storage, preventing tipping and dislodgement by ensuring even weight distribution, suitable for garages and storage lockers without the need for additional equipment like forklifts.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic or pneumatic systems for lifting
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic or pneumatic systems for lifting
Data Source
AI summary
There is proposed vehicle storage apparatus, including a lifting jack having spaced apart lifting tines, a dolly being reversibly couplable to the lifting jack in a number of alternate positions, and a centre point device. The centre point device is used for determining the weight distribution along a longitudinal axis of the dolly when a vehicle is located thereon to assist in the suitable attachment of the dolly to lifting tines, to thereby inhibit tipping of the lifting jack when in the raised position or otherwise dislodgement of the vehicle stored thereon.