Cargo Dolly Synchronous Steering with Recessed Castors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cargo dollies require adjustable turning radii to navigate tight spaces and link multiple units efficiently, but existing solutions lack flexibility and ease of maintenance in tight spaces and varying cargo configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cargo dolly with synchronous steering between front and rear axles, linked by push-pull rods and an intermediate link with adjustable apertures, allowing counter-phase steering and modular expansion, along with recessed castors for easy maintenance and secure coupling without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cargo dollies are linked one to the other forming a train, then cargo transportation capacity is improved, but the turning radius requirement increases and maneuverability in tight spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system incorporates adjustable linkages that allow the turning radius to be dynamically modified based on the number of dollies in the train and the available space. The linkage can be repositioned to change the steering geometry, enabling tight turning when needed while maintaining stable straight-line travel when transporting multiple dollies.
2Ease of operation
If the turning radius of each cargo dolly is adjusted to match the cargo train configuration, then maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering linkage is divided into adjustable segments with multiple positioning points. This segmentation allows the linkage to be reconfigured in discrete steps to match different train lengths, providing the necessary adjustment capability while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through standardized connection points.
3Ease of repair
If castors are made accessible for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but the structural integrity and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The castors are nested within recessed cavities in the dolly frame, allowing them to be accessed from above by simply lifting the dolly platform. This nesting approach provides easy maintenance access while maintaining structural integrity, as the castors remain protected within the frame structure during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A transportation dolly can have a frame, two axles pivotally coupled with the frame, each axle having two distal ends and a wheel assembly coupled at each distal end and a synchronous steering system. The synchronous steering system can include an intermediate link pivotally coupled with the frame, the intermediate link having a two distal ends, and a first push-pull rod coupling one of the two axles with the intermediate link, and a second push-pull rod coupling the other of the two axles with the intermediate link. The first push-pull rod is coupled to one distal end of the intermediate link and the second push-pull rod is coupled to the opposing distal end of the intermediate link. The first push-pull rod, the second push-pull rod, and the intermediate link provide counter phase synchronous pivoting of the two axles relative to the transportation dolly.