Crane Drive Wheel Positioning for Rough Terrain Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cranes face difficulties in maintaining traction on irregular and bumpy surfaces due to rigidly constrained wheels that lose contact with the ground, particularly when only one drive wheel is involved, making it hard to move heavy loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A crane design with a drive transmission system that includes a sensor to detect contact forces and adjust the position of the drive wheel relative to the chassis, allowing it to lower or raise to maintain optimal contact with the surface, combined with a motor for self-braking and a wireless remote control system for improved safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are rigidly constrained to the chassis, then the structure is simple and stable, but the wheels cannot adapt to rough ground surfaces, causing loss of contact and difficulty in movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the drive wheel's position adjustable relative to the chassis. The wheel can move vertically along the chassis structure, transforming from a static rigid constraint to a dynamic adjustable constraint. This allows the wheel to adapt its position to match ground irregularities while maintaining structural simplicity through guided motion paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wheel-chassis connection into independent vertical adjustment components. The drive wheel is separated from rigid fixed constraints and given independent vertical mobility through guides or slots in the chassis. This segmentation allows the wheel to independently adapt to ground conditions without affecting the overall chassis stability.
2Reliability
If a single drive wheel is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but traction is insufficient on irregular surfaces when the wheel loses contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances traction reliability by enabling the single drive wheel to dynamically adjust its vertical position. The wheel can lower itself to maintain contact with irregular ground surfaces, ensuring continuous traction. This dynamic adjustment compensates for the limitation of having only one drive wheel, maintaining reliability without adding multiple wheels or complex drive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wheel system incorporates self-adjustment capabilities where the wheel automatically responds to ground conditions. The vertical adjustment mechanism allows the wheel to self-correct its position to maintain optimal contact with the ground, eliminating the need for external control systems or additional support wheels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drive wheel position is fixed, then the manufacturing is simple and economical, but the crane cannot maintain optimal contact force on varying terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable drive wheel position system with vertical guides or slots in the chassis. This allows the wheel to move up and down to maintain optimal contact force on varying terrain. The manufacturing remains relatively simple using guided linear motion paths, avoiding complex mechanisms while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the drive wheel from fixed to variable. The wheel's vertical position becomes a可调 parameter that can change in response to ground conditions. This is achieved through simple guided motion structures that allow position variation without requiring complex control systems or manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A crane for lifting and transporting loads includes a handling element, for supporting and handling the loads, and a chassis for transferring the loads of the crane onto a support surface by a contact arranged in contact with the surface, such as wheels. A drive transmission, such as a drive wheel, moves the crane on the support surface. The drive transmission is capable of translating relative to the chassis to adjust the force exerted by the drive transmission upon the support surface. The crane includes a sensor for detecting the force exerted by the drive transmission upon the support surface; and a control unit configured for adjusting the position of the drive transmission relative to the chassis, based on the detection of the sensor.