Eccentric Adapter for Asymmetrical Load Transport Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for transporting elongate objects, such as wind turbine components, face instability due to asymmetrical weight distribution, leading to tipping forces and reduced transport safety.

Innovation Solution

The device features an adapter that can be arranged eccentrically on the holder, allowing for offset positioning to align the center of gravity with the device's central plane, and is connected via a pivot mechanism with stop elements to ensure compressive forces only, enhancing stability and safety during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the adapter is positioned centrally on the holder, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the center of gravity of asymmetrical loads cannot be aligned with the device's central plane, causing tipping forces and reduced transport stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport stabilityVSAvoidadapter positioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with asymmetrical positioning capabilities, allowing it to be mounted at different lateral positions on the holder. This enables the center of gravity of asymmetrical loads to be aligned with the device's central plane, eliminating tipping forces and improving transport stability without requiring complex active control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter positioning system allows for adjustable and reconfigurable mounting positions. The adapter can be laterally shifted and fixed at different positions along the holder, providing dynamic adaptability to accommodate loads with different center of gravity locations, thereby maintaining stability for various load configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter is made fixed and non-adjustable, then the device structure is simpler and more robust, but it cannot adapt to different load configurations and center of gravity positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter position adjustmentVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter positioning system is segmented into discrete adjustable positions along the holder. The adapter can be laterally shifted to predetermined positions and fixed using simple locking mechanisms, providing adaptability to different load configurations without requiring complex continuous adjustment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A lateral adjustment mechanism serves as an intermediary between the adapter and the holder, enabling position changes. This mechanism includes components such as adjustment slots, locking pins, or telescopic elements that facilitate lateral movement and fixation of the adapter at different positions, providing versatility while maintaining structural simplicity

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 configuration reduces tipping forces and moments, improving the transport stability and safety of elongate objects with asymmetrical weight distribution by aligning the center of gravity closer to the device's central plane, thereby enhancing the overall transport safety.

Implementation Method 1

The device features an adapter that can be arranged eccentrically on the holder, allowing for offset positioning to align the center of gravity with the device's central plane, and is connected via a pivot mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivot mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3718823B1Device for holding an end of an elongated object, in particular a self-supporting load, and vehicle using this device
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 SCHEUERLE FAHRZEUGFABRIK GMBH
  • EP3718823B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718823B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718823B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for holding one end (E) of an elongated object (O), in particular a self-supporting load, which has a base frame (11) on which a bracket (15), to which the elongated object (O) can be attached, is pivotably arranged, and which has at least one actuating device (20) by which the bracket (15) can be pivoted relative to the base frame (11). According to the invention, the device (10) has an adapter (25) arranged on the bracket (15) for holding the elongated object (O), and the adapter (25) can be arranged in at least one off-center position on the bracket (15).