Detachable Cart Channel Structure for Multi-Vehicle Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles in manufacturing environments face challenges in efficiently supporting and maneuvering large or heavy products, particularly in scenarios requiring multiple vehicles to distribute weight and navigate obstacles autonomously.
Innovation Solution
A cart design featuring a chassis with channels and guides, coupled to a vehicle via an actuator and pin assembly, allows for detachable coupling, enabling vehicles to lift and maneuver carts with minimal vertical load transmission, facilitating autonomous navigation and efficient product movement, featuring a combination of a chassis including a chassis including a platform configured to support a product, one or more casters, and a chassis including a platform configured to support a product, one or more frame members, and a chassis including a platform configured to support a product, one or more frame members, and one or more support members extending between adjacent frame members, and one or more legs extending downward from the chassis, and one or more casters coupled to each of the legs, and a chassis configured to support a product, the chassis further including a first channel and a second channel coupled to the chassis, the first channel extending along a longitudinal axis and the second channel extending along a lateral axis, each channel including a pair of guides with angled portions to facilitate product support and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple vehicles are used to distribute weight for heavy products, then the weight support capability is improved, but the system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy product support system is segmented into multiple independent vehicle units, each capable of supporting a portion of the total weight. This allows the weight distribution function to be achieved through parallel independent units rather than a complex coordinated system, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining weight support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vehicle unit is designed with autonomous capabilities to independently support and maneuver its portion of the load without requiring complex inter-vehicle coordination. The self-service principle enables each unit to operate independently, simplifying the overall system while achieving the weight distribution goal.
2Productivity
If vehicles are designed to maneuver large products autonomously, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the navigation and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities that enable it to independently maneuver large products without external control intervention. This self-service approach improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need for complex manual coordination while the autonomous systems handle the navigation complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical control systems for maneuvering large products are replaced with autonomous navigation systems that use sensors, processors, and control algorithms. This substitution reduces the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual control mechanisms while improving operational efficiency through automated decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a detachable coupling mechanism is used between vehicle and cart, then the adaptability and ease of reconfiguration is improved, but the coupling strength and stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between coupled and decoupled states. The coupling strength is optimized for the coupled state to ensure stability during operation, while the quick-release capability provides adaptability when reconfiguration is needed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by providing both strong coupling when needed and easy reconfiguration when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A cart includes a chassis including one or more frame members, one or more casters, a first channel and a second channel coupled to the chassis, the first channel defining a longitudinal axis and the second channel defining a lateral axis. The first channel and the second channel each include a pair of guides each including a first portion and a second portion and a flat member coupling the guide to the frame members. The first portions extend substantially parallel to one another. The second portions are angled to increase a distance between the second portions as the second portions extend away from the first portions.