Energy Guiding Chain Coupling for RTG Automatic Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically docking mobile machines to a movable supply, such as rubber-tire gantry cranes, face issues with wear, maintenance requirements, limited data signal transmission, and inability to supply different media, especially with conductor rails, which are not modular or suitable for vehicles with pneumatic tires.
Innovation Solution
A system using an energy guiding chain with a mechanical coupling and plug connector for automatic docking, allowing for flexible positioning and compensation of lateral forces, eliminating the need for conductor rails and additional collector trolleys, and enabling the use of energy guiding chains for power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conductor rails are used for power supply, then power transmission is achieved, but wear and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system (conductor rail with collector trolley) with a flexible cable system. The energy guiding chain with integrated cables eliminates the mechanical wear between sliding contacts, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining power transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an energy guiding chain as an intermediary structure that carries both power cables and data cables. This intermediary system mediates between the mobile machine and the fixed power source, providing a reliable connection without direct mechanical sliding contacts.
2Power
If conductor rails are used, then power supply is provided, but data signal transmission is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The energy guiding chain serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical guidance, transmits power through integrated cables, and enables data communication. This multi-functional design eliminates the limitation of conductor rails that can only provide power supply.
3Power
If conductor rails are used, then power transmission is achieved, but adaptability to different vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable system in the energy guiding chain can dynamically adapt to different vehicle positions and orientations. Unlike rigid conductor rails, the cables can accommodate various vehicle types (RTGs, van entrainment members, stacker/reclaimers) without requiring infrastructure modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in cable length, positioning, and configuration to accommodate different vehicle types and operating conditions. This flexibility enables the same energy guiding chain infrastructure to serve multiple different vehicle types.
4Power
If conductor rails are used, then power supply is provided, but modular use is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The energy guiding chain is divided into modular sections that can be independently manufactured, installed, and replaced. Each module contains its own power cables and data cables, enabling flexible system expansion and maintenance without affecting the entire infrastructure.
5Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical coupling with fixed positioning is used, then connection stability is achieved, but lateral forces cause wear
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates controlled play or clearance in specific directions to allow lateral forces to be absorbed without transmitting them to the mechanical coupling components. This parameter adjustment maintains connection stability while protecting against wear.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically docking a container stacker crane, in particular a RTG, to a movable supply, having a docking device with a transverse advancer unit and an extendable extension arm of which an end portion can be advanced transversely to the movable supply and connects thereto. An energy guiding chain with an entrainment member serves as a movable supply. A mechanical coupling is proposed with a coupling piece on the end portion and a coupling counterpart on the entrainment member. The entrainment member floatingly supports the coupling counterpart with transverse play. A plug connector on said end portion cooperates with a socket on the entrainment member. The mechanical coupling has a coupling piece configured as a funnel and a cooperating coupling counterpart configured as coupling head. The coupling head includes at least one extension, which cooperates with the funnel and/or a locking bolt for securing perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The locking bolt cooperates with the extension for securing in the longitudinal direction, and for securing the coupling head in a fixed position.