Rail Guided Vehicle Carriage System with Position Stabilizing Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rail guided vehicle systems face limitations in shortening the connection rail length without causing stress and vibration to the diverging roller, leading to potential damage and abnormal operation, and require lengthening of the diverging guide to maintain stability.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of position stabilizing rollers and guides in the no-guide zone allows for stabilization of the vehicle's position, enabling the extension of the no-guide zone and shortening of the connection rail without increasing the overall length of the rail guided vehicle system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the connection rail is shortened to reduce system size, then the system becomes more compact, but the diverging roller experiences large stress and vibration causing abnormal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection rail is divided into multiple sections: a first connection rail section with a forcing guide for controlled diverging roller shifting, and a second connection rail section without a forcing guide. This segmentation allows the diverging roller to shift gradually through the first section, reducing stress and vibration while maintaining the ability to switch rails effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing guide is positioned in the first connection rail section to preliminarily guide and control the diverging roller shifting process before the vehicle enters the second connection rail section. This preliminary action ensures the diverging roller is properly positioned and reduces impact when switching, preventing abnormal operation while allowing compact design
2Length of stationary object
If the forcing guide length is reduced to shorten the connection rail, then the connection rail becomes shorter, but the diverging roller must shift rapidly causing large stress and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The connection rail is segmented into two distinct sections with different guiding characteristics. The first section contains the forcing guide that provides controlled guidance during diverging roller shifting, while the second section lacks a forcing guide, allowing the diverging roller to complete its shift smoothly. This segmentation enables the overall connection rail to be shorter while maintaining adequate shifting distance and reducing stress on the diverging roller
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the connection rail have different local qualities: the first section has a forcing guide providing controlled guidance, while the second section has no forcing guide allowing free movement. This local differentiation optimizes the shifting process by providing guidance only where needed, reducing overall length while preventing excessive stress and vibration
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
This solution allows for stable and efficient movement of the vehicle between main rails while effectively shortening the connection rail, preventing damage and vibration, and enabling a more compact rail guided vehicle system.
Implementation Method 1
position stabilizing rollers configured to reduce vibration and shock when the vehicle moves on the connection rail
Implementation Method 2
diverging roller mechanism that shifts in a direction crossing the travelling direction of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A rail guided vehicle system includes a rail that includes a first main rail 101, a second main rail 102, and a connection rail 105, and vehicles 200. The vehicle includes a diverging roller supporting member 720 that supports a pair of first and second diverging rollers 610 such that the first and second diverging rollers 610 shift, and a position stabilizing roller supporting member 710 that supports position stabilizing rollers 620 such that the position stabilizing rollers 620 do not shift. The rail includes a first diverging guide 110a configured to guide the first diverging roller, a second diverging guide 110b configured to guide the second diverging roller, and a position stabilizing roller guide 120b configured to guide the position stabilizing rollers in the no-guide zone where the diverging guide is absent.