Autonomous Cargo Transport System with Anti-Tip Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo transport systems lack the ability to efficiently and autonomously move heavy and bulky loads across varied terrain, including rough outdoor environments, while ensuring safety and reliability, especially in military and industrial settings.
Innovation Solution
A cargo transport system utilizing a self-propelled, track-based or wheel-based vehicle with a fork assembly and anti-tip system, equipped with sensors for autonomous navigation, cargo detection, and stability monitoring, enabling the system to lift, transport, and deliver heavy loads autonomously or semi-autonomously across diverse terrains, including aircraft decks and unimproved environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a traditional forklift is used to transport cargo, then cargo lifting capability is provided, but the system cannot autonomously navigate rough terrain and requires significant operator involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the forklift vehicle integrates autonomous navigation sensors (LIDAR, cameras, GPS), track-based propulsion system, cargo lifting mechanism, and anti-tip stabilization system. This merging of navigation, propulsion, lifting, and safety functions into one autonomous platform resolves the contradiction by providing full automation capability while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The forklift system performs self-navigation, self-positioning, and self-monitoring through integrated sensors and control systems. The autonomous navigation system independently detects terrain, plans paths, and controls movement without human intervention. The anti-tip system continuously monitors stability and automatically adjusts positioning, enabling the system to serve itself and reduce operator involvement while maintaining safety.
2Ease of operation
If the mast is positioned at the forward location to lift cargo from ground level, then cargo loading capability is improved, but the system becomes unstable and tips forward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an anti-tip system that acts as a counterweight mechanism. When the mast is positioned at the forward location for cargo loading, the anti-tip system deploys supports or adjusts weight distribution to counterbalance the forward shift in center of gravity. This counterweight action prevents the vehicle from tipping forward while maintaining the cargo loading capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and vehicle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-tip system is designed as a dynamic stabilization mechanism that continuously monitors vehicle posture and mast position. When the mast moves to the forward location, the anti-tip system dynamically adjusts support positioning or hydraulic counterforces in real-time. This dynamic response maintains vehicle stability throughout the cargo loading operation, allowing the mast to be positioned forward without causing tipping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a compact lift vehicle is used to navigate rough terrain, then mobility across diverse terrains is improved, but the vehicle size limits cargo capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic systems for both propulsion and cargo lifting functions. The track-based vehicle uses hydraulic motors driven by compact engines or electric motors to generate high torque for rough terrain navigation. The same hydraulic system powers the mast and fork assembly for heavy cargo lifting. This hydraulic power transmission enables a compact vehicle design that maintains both terrain adaptability and high cargo capacity, as hydraulics provide high power density in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a track-based propulsion system instead of traditional wheels, representing a dimensional change in the propulsion mechanism. Tracks distribute weight over a larger surface area, improving traction and mobility across rough terrain while maintaining a compact vehicle footprint. This dimensional change in the propulsion interface with the ground enables the vehicle to navigate diverse terrains without increasing overall vehicle size, thereby preserving cargo capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo transport system is provided that has an ability to move cargo in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner, using a compact lift vehicle capable of lifting relatively heavy objects. The system includes a cargo loading system, a sensor suite coupled with a controller, dunnage detection, cross-decking capability, cargo stacking capability, autonomous navigation, tip detection and prevention, or any combinations thereof. The system may include a fork assembly coupled with a mast and movable in a vertical direction relative to the mast. Further, the mast may be coupled with a platform or deck and movable in a horizontal direction relative to the platform, to allow the fork assembly to be lowered below a top plane of the platform when the mast is at a forward location relative to the platform. The controller and sensor suite and may provide for autonomous or semi-autonomous control and movement of the cargo transport system.