Adjustable Tunnel Transport Wagon for Space-Saving Load Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo transportation systems during tunneling are inefficient in handling large-volume loads and lack space-saving solutions, as they have fixed support frame and running gear segment positions, limiting adaptability and space utilization.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable device between the support frame and running gear segments allows for varying height and track spacing configurations, enabling devices to nest and pass each other within shared clear widths, facilitating efficient and space-saving transportation of large-volume loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the support frame and running gear segments are positioned in fixed configurations, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the device cannot efficiently handle large-volume loads and cannot utilize space-saving nested movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different load volumes and space configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame and running gear segments are made dynamically adjustable through adjustment devices that allow changing the relative positions. The support frame can be positioned at different heights (upper or lower level) and the running gear segments can be spaced at different track widths (narrow or wide track spacing), transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to various operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into separable components - the support frame and the running gear segments - that can be independently adjusted relative to each other. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned independently, enabling the device to configure itself for different load sizes and tunnel space conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the support frame is made large to accommodate large-volume loads, then the load capacity increases, but the device cannot pass through narrow spaces and cannot nest within other devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of support frame for load capacityVSAvoidclear width and clear height of device
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed to nest within itself or other devices of the same type. By adjusting the support frame to a lower level and the running gear segments to narrow track spacing, one device can be positioned inside the clear width and clear height of another device, enabling space-saving storage and efficient utilization of tunnel space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device dynamically changes its external dimensions by adjusting the support frame height and running gear track spacing. This allows the device to transition between a large configuration (for carrying large-volume loads) and a compact configuration (for passing through narrow spaces or nesting within other devices).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2728112B1Device for the transfer of loads during tunnel construction
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 HERRENKNECHT AG
  • EP2728112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2728112B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2728112B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device i.e. self-propelled transport wagon (2), has landing gear segments (7) spaced apart in a track pitch, and connected with a support frame (3). The support frame is movable by the landing gear segments. Angle guide parts (5) and side supports (6) are provided between the support frame and the landing gear segments. The support frame is positionable in two height positions, and the landing gear segments are positionable in two track pitches by the angle guide parts and the side supports such that devices nested into each other and driving along a common middle track pass.