Lengthy Article Conveying Apparatus Platform Stability Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lengthy article conveying apparatuses face issues with platform deformation and damage due to load variations during transfer, as the elongation of the cord-like member causes shifts in the lifted position of the platform, leading to jerking and potential damage to articles or equipment.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a control means that adjusts the lifted position of the platform based on load variations, using a lifted position detecting means to absorb shifts and maintain stability by controlling the lifting driving means, ensuring the platform is supported by both the cord-like member and the target location, and includes features like pivotally connected end frames and fluctuation detecting sensors to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the platform is suspended and supported by a cord-like member during lifting, then the platform can be freely lifted along the lifting mast, but the elongation of the cord-like member causes shifts in the lifted position of the platform leading to deformation and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefree lifting capabilityVSAvoidplatform stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control means continuously monitors the position of the platform and the load on the cord-like member, and adjusts the lifting driving means to compensate for elongation. This closed-loop control prevents position shifts and maintains platform stability during article transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the lifting system dynamic by allowing the control means to continuously adjust the lifting driving means based on real-time conditions. The system transitions from a static suspension to a dynamically controlled system that compensates for cord-like member elongation during load variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the platform position is adjusted to accommodate load variations, then stability is maintained, but the complexity of the control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control means automatically detects position shifts and load variations, and self-adjusts the lifting driving means without external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making necessary corrections, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical position adjustment mechanisms with a control system that uses sensors and automated control logic. The mechanical system is substituted with an intelligent control approach that achieves the same stability function with greater flexibility and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the platform is supported by both the cord-like member and the target location, then the load is distributed and stability is improved, but the transfer procedure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidtransfer procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control means performs preliminary positioning of the platform before the article transfer begins. By pre-positioning the platform at the correct height and location, the system prepares the dual-support condition in advance, making the actual transfer procedure simpler and more reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control means acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the lifting driving means and the transfer device. It manages the complex interaction of dual support by mediating the position and load distribution, simplifying the overall transfer procedure through centralized control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 smooth transfer of lengthy articles by maintaining platform stability and preventing deformation or damage, even under varying loads, ensuring efficient operation and reducing the risk of equipment and article damage.

Implementation Method 1

the elongation of the cord-like member causes shifts in the lifted position of the platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElongation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8827620B2Lengthy article conveying apparatus
Publication Date: 2014.09.09 DAIFUKU CO LTD
  • US8827620B2 patent drawing
  • US8827620B2 patent drawing
  • US8827620B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A lengthy article transferring apparatus transfers lengthy articles between the apparatus and target locations for the transfer. A lifting driving device lifts and drives a platform and a transferring device mounted thereon by winding a cord-like member. A controller controls actuation of the lifting driving device and the transferring device. A lifted position detector monitors the position of the platform. The controller performs the transferring operation to actuate the transferring device when end portions of the platform are received and supported by receivers provided at the target locations for the transfer, and performs a lifted position adjustment procedure controlling actuation of the lifting driving device based upon information detected by the lifted position detector during the transferring procedure to absorb variation in the position of the platform caused by a shift in the load acting on the platform as the article is transported in the article transferring direction.