Vehicle Wall Cradle and Pivoting Winch for Recessed Equipment Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for removing equipment from a vehicle's external wall are complex, require significant space, and are not suitable for equipment housed in recesses, as they rely on lengthy pivoting arms or sliding trays, which are cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A compact device with a cradle fixed to the vehicle's wall, featuring a pivoting bracket with a motorized winch and cable system that allows equipment to be lifted and positioned on the ground, even in restricted spaces, by pivoting and lowering the equipment using a robust and articulated cradle structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pivoting arm with cable system is used to remove equipment from external walls, then equipment can be removed from recessed areas, but the device requires complex deployment mechanisms and significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to recessed areasVSAvoiddeployment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into three main segments: a fixed cradle attached to the vehicle body, a pivoting arm that can rotate independently, and a cable winch system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while reducing overall system complexity compared to a single integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting arm is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing it to rotate and position itself according to the equipment location on the vehicle exterior. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to access recessed areas without requiring complex pre-configured deployment mechanisms for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If long pivoting arms are used to lower equipment to the ground, then equipment removal is enabled, but the device requires significant space and becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment removal capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable winch system is integrated within or adjacent to the pivoting arm structure, creating a nested configuration where the cable management system occupies minimal additional space. The arm itself can be positioned close to the vehicle body when not in use, effectively nesting the entire mechanism within a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending the arm horizontally outward requiring significant lateral space, the mechanism utilizes the vertical dimension by allowing the arm to pivot and the cable to lower equipment downward. This dimensional change enables equipment removal without proportionally increasing the horizontal space requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If sliding platforms are used to transport equipment, then equipment can be moved from trunk to ground, but the system becomes complex and requires space above the trunk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment transport capabilityVSAvoidspace above trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The equipment removal function is extracted from the trunk interior space and relocated to the vehicle exterior. The cradle attaches to the external wall, and the pivoting arm operates outside the vehicle body, completely eliminating the need for overhead trunk space that would be required for sliding platform mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 and safe removal of equipment from any external wall position, including recesses, without the need for extensive space or complex deployment mechanisms, ensuring robustness and adaptability for various equipment types.

Implementation Method 1

a winch ensuring the winding or unwinding of the cable to allow the equipment to be placed, for example on the ground, after pivoting the arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the arm is mounted pivoting relative to a vertical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational Motion:

Implementation Method 3

the arm having an arm which extends, when the arm is folded, above the equipment when the latter is itself in a position integral with the cradle, the arm which carries at its end a cable having a vertical strand connecting the arm to the equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4015313B1Device for holding and depositing a device in relation to an outer wall of a vehicle and method implementing such a device
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 KNDS FRANCE
  • EP4015313B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4015313B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4015313B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (8) for securing and removing equipment (7) from the outer wall of a vehicle (1). This device comprises a cradle (9) for attachment to the outer wall of the vehicle, which receives the equipment (7) secured to the cradle by removable fastening means. The cradle (9) carries a pivoting arm (9d) articulated relative to the cradle. The arm (9d) has an arm (14) that extends, when the arm is folded, over the equipment when it is attached to the cradle. The arm (9d) carries at its end a cable (19), and a winch (20) winds or unwinds the cable (19) to allow the equipment to be removed, for example, to the ground, after the arm (9d) has been pivoted. The invention also relates to a method for removing equipment using such a device.