Autonomous Cargo Platform With Lift-Leg Braking for Trailer Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency of loading and unloading processes in trucking operations, where forklifts load trucks one pallet at a time, leading to increased labor costs and reduced trailer utilization due to the majority of transport time being spent on loading and unloading rather than hauling.
Innovation Solution
An automated platform that can autonomously move around a site, load goods into a trailer, stabilize during transport using a fluid pressure system, and unload at a different site, equipped with a braking system and edge extensions for stability and maneuverability, and can communicate via a local mesh network for navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If forklifts are used to load and unload trucks one pallet at a time, then cargo can be loaded and unloaded, but loading and unloading times become excessively long, reducing trailer utilization and increasing labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo loading system is divided into multiple automated platforms that can operate independently and simultaneously. Each platform can handle multiple pallets at once, and multiple platforms can work in parallel to load entire truck beds in minutes rather than hours, dramatically increasing loading speed while reducing total time required
Solution Approach 2:
Manual forklift operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system consisting of electric-powered platforms with automated pallet handling mechanisms. The system uses automated navigation, automated pallet lifting and positioning, and coordinated multi-platform operation to eliminate manual intervention and dramatically accelerate the loading process
2Productivity
If forklifts load trucks one pallet at a time, then loading can be performed, but trailer utilization decreases because the majority of transport time is spent on loading and unloading rather than hauling
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo loading system is divided into multiple automated platforms that can operate independently and simultaneously. Each platform can handle multiple pallets at once, and multiple platforms can work in parallel to load entire truck beds in minutes rather than hours, dramatically increasing loading speed while reducing total time required
Solution Approach 2:
Pallets are staged and positioned on automated platforms in advance before the truck arrives. When the truck is positioned at the loading dock, the platforms can immediately begin loading without waiting for manual forklift operations, reducing idle time and maximizing trailer utilization by ensuring rapid turnaround
3Stability of the object's composition
If an automated platform uses a fluid pressure system to extend legs for stabilization, then the platform becomes stable during transport, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform uses a fluid pressure system (pneumatics or hydraulics) to extend legs that contact the ground or trailer floor, providing stable support during transport. The fluid pressure mechanism allows for smooth, controlled extension and retraction of stabilization legs, ensuring the platform remains stable while adding relatively simple actuation to the system
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
Reduces loading and unloading times, increases trailer utilization, and optimizes labor costs by enabling efficient and autonomous cargo handling.
Implementation Method 1
the automated platform may utilize a fluid pressure system to extend legs to the ground with enough force so that the automated platform wheels are not touching the ground in the trailer, which stabilizes the automated platform while it is being hauled to a different site. The fluid pressure system can be or include a hydraulics system and/or a pneumatics system.
Implementation Method 2
the braking system may facilitate locking the wheels of the automated platform in place to restrict their movement
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic platform apparatus can include a chassis with a front edge, a rear edge, and a top surface. The robotic platform apparatus can include multiple omnidirectional wheels coupled to the chassis. The robotic platform apparatus can include a brake system comprising multiple lifting legs. The lifting legs can be configured to extend until the lifting legs make contact with a surface below the robotic platform apparatus and lift the omnidirectional wheels off the surface. An air bag can expand to extend the lifting legs. The robotic platform apparatus can include a processor configured to control the path of travel and operation of the brake system.