Carousel-Steer Tractor Unit for Confined Elongated Load Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles face challenges in maneuvering elongated loads such as wind turbine blades or tower segments due to lack of maneuverability, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A tractor unit with a wheel set comprising at least three steerable wheels that can switch between aligned and carousel modes, and a load engagement mechanism mounted on a common vertical axis, allowing the unit to rotate around the axis without translating, while the load remains stationary through counter-rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vehicles are used to transport elongated loads, then the load can be transported, but the maneuverability is poor especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system is divided into a tractor unit and a trailer unit, with the load itself providing the connection between them. This segmentation allows the tractor to be maneuverable while the trailer supports the span of the load, with the trailer being undriven and potentially non-steerable, optimizing each component for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The load is used as a structural connection element between the tractor and trailer, transforming the load from a mere cargo into a functional component that provides both transportation support and structural linkage, enabling the system to handle elongated loads effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the tractor and trailer units are used to transport elongated loads, then the load can be supported, but the maneuverability remains poor due to the lack of steering capability
Solution Approach 1:
The steering and driving functions are extracted and concentrated entirely in the tractor unit, while the trailer unit is made undriven and potentially non-steerable. This extraction allows the tractor to be highly maneuverable while the trailer simply follows, improving overall system maneuverability without compromising transport capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the trailer being the driven and steerable unit, the invention inverts the arrangement by making the tractor the driven and steerable unit, while the trailer becomes the passive following unit. This inversion optimizes maneuverability as the active tractor can navigate confined spaces while the passive trailer stabilizes the load.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the trailer unit supports the span of the load, then the trailing end of the load is kept clear of the ground, but the overall maneuverability of the system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the tractor and trailer is made dynamic through the load itself, which flexes and adjusts during movement. The trailer unit can be positioned at different locations along the load span, allowing the system to adapt its configuration for optimal maneuverability while maintaining load support stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A tractor unit for transporting an elongated load includes a body that is supported, driven and steered by a wheel set comprising at least three ground-engaging wheels. At least two of the wheels are steerable and can transform between an aligned mode and a carousel mode. In aligned mode, the wheels are steerable and aligned with one another in a neutral steering position. In carousel mode, the wheels are oriented with their axes of rotation intersecting at a substantially common vertical axis within the the tractor unit body, so when the wheels are driven the tractor unit spins about this vertical axis. A load engagement mechanism is mounted pivotally on the tractor unit body about the vertical axis to allow counter rotation in an equal and opposite amount to the rotation of the tractor unit body in carousel mode, keeping the load fixed relative to the ground as the tractor unit spins.