Ambulating Transport System for Heavy Load Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for moving heavy loads, such as skid systems and walking mechanisms, face challenges like requiring level surfaces, high labor and time consumption, and potential stress and torque on the load, especially when moving over short distances or adjusting periodically.
Innovation Solution
An ambulating transport system that elevates the load and uses segregated transport devices to move across a base surface, alternating contact points to distribute forces and minimize stress, with lift zones and groups providing controlled lifting forces to support the load during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If skid systems are used to move heavy loads, then the load can be transported over short distances, but the ground must be substantially level and additional time and labor are required to move and reposition skids
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is divided into multiple modular transport devices that can be independently controlled and positioned. Each device can be selectively engaged with the base surface, allowing the system to adapt to uneven surfaces while maintaining ease of operation through modular, reconfigurable components.
2Force
If skid systems are used to move heavy loads, then transport can occur, but frictional forces cause jacks to break loose from the load
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the engagement and disengagement of transport devices during movement. By selectively activating specific transport devices at different phases of movement, the system maintains stable force application while reducing frictional forces that cause jack failure, thereby improving both transport capability and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If walking mechanisms are used to move heavy loads, then the load can be lifted and transferred across ground, but undue stresses and torques are experienced especially over uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system divides the load support function across multiple segmented transport devices distributed at different locations. This segmentation allows the load to be supported at multiple points simultaneously, distributing stresses and torques evenly and preventing concentration of forces that could damage the load during movement over uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transport devices can be selectively engaged based on local surface conditions and load requirements. The system applies support forces locally at specific points where needed, rather than uniformly across the entire load, thereby reducing undue stresses and torques while maintaining ease of movement.
4Ease of operation
If heavy loads are disassembled into smaller loads for transport, then movement becomes easier, but the breakdown and reassembly process is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its transport approach based on load characteristics and movement requirements. Rather than requiring static disassembly, the transport devices can selectively engage with different portions of the load or base surface, enabling easy transport of heavy loads as complete units while minimizing the time lost to breakdown and reassembly operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A load transporting apparatus includes a base structure that supports a load and a plurality of transport devices that move the base structure over a base surface. A first group of transport devices concurrently contact the base surface during a first movement step. Following the first movement step the first group of transport devices are disengaged from the base structure during a second movement step of the base structure. A second group of transport devices are disengaged from the base surface during the first movement step. Following the first movement step the second group of transport devices contact the base surface during the second movement step, and the weight of the load supported by the first group of transport devices is transferred from the first group of transport devices to the second group of transport devices.