Cam-Actuated Cart Interface for Heavy Load Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles in manufacturing environments face challenges in efficiently supporting and transporting large or heavy products, particularly when multiple vehicles are required to distribute the weight and navigate obstacles autonomously.
Innovation Solution
A cart interface system is introduced, featuring a mounting bracket, cam plate, actuator, and pins that allow for the secure coupling and lifting of carts to vehicles, enabling enhanced weight support and traction, and allowing vehicles to move carts and their loads with reduced vertical load on the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If multiple vehicles are used to transport heavy products, then the weight distribution and transportation capability are improved, but the system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heavy product into multiple segments, each carried by a separate vehicle. The product is segmented into sections that can be independently supported and transported by individual vehicles, allowing weight distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicles are designed with universal coupling mechanisms and standardized interfaces that allow them to work independently or in coordinated fashion. The same vehicle design can transport single products or work in multiples, providing flexibility without requiring complex specialized systems for different configurations.
2Productivity
If vehicles are designed to autonomously navigate and maneuver, then the operational efficiency and precision are improved, but the control system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, processors, and control systems that enable self-guided movement. The vehicles can independently navigate to destinations, avoid obstacles, and coordinate with other vehicles without requiring centralized control, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high operational efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If carts are designed with interchangeable implements, then the adaptability to various manufacturing tasks is improved, but the device complexity and interchange time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cart interface is designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can accommodate multiple types of implements through standardized interfaces. The mounting bracket, cam plate, and pin assembly provide a unified attachment system that works with different cart configurations and implement types, enabling task adaptability without requiring complex specialized interfaces for each implement category.
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
The system facilitates efficient transportation of heavy loads by minimizing vertical load on vehicles, reducing costs, and enabling autonomous navigation and maneuverability, while allowing for interchangeable implements to adapt to various manufacturing tasks.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the mounting bracket and the cam plate and configured to rotate the cam plate relative to the mounting bracket; and a pin coupled to the cam plate; wherein rotation of the cam plate causes the pin to move upward to engage the cart
Implementation Method 2
a first pin assembly including: a first pin; a first linkage coupling the first pin to the cam plate; and a second pin coupled to the first pin by a biasing element
Data Source
AI summary
A cart interface for coupling a cart to a vehicle includes a mounting bracket configured to be coupled to the vehicle, a cam plate, an actuator, a first pin assembly, and a second pin assembly. The cam plate is pivotably coupled to the mounting bracket. The actuator is coupled to the mounting bracket and the cam plate and configured to rotate the cam plate relative to the mounting bracket. The first pin assembly is coupled to the cam plate. The second pin assembly is coupled to the cam plate. Rotation of the cam plate is configured to cause the first pin assembly and the second pin assembly to move upward to engage the cart.