Support Foot Alignment Mechanism for Walking Load Transporters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load transporting apparatuses, such as walking machines, face challenges in fine-tuning the position of heavy loads over small distances due to restricted movement directions, particularly when moving loads need to be repositioned or adjusted periodically, as they often require disassembly or use of hydraulic lift cylinders and rollers, which limit flexibility and precision.
Innovation Solution
A load transporting apparatus equipped with a linking device and a biasing device that automatically realigns the support foot with the load-bearing frame during the recovery phase of incremental movements, allowing for non-linear displacement and subsequent precise reorientation of the load, using mechanisms like torsional bars, leaf springs, or hydraulic cylinders to store and release energy for realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If walking machines use hydraulic lift cylinders and rollers to move heavy loads, then the loads can be transported over small distances, but the movement is restricted to particular directions and fine tuning of position is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support foot is made dynamically adjustable through a rotation device that allows it to change orientation during the walking cycle. The foot can rotate about a vertical axis to align with the direction of movement, enabling the apparatus to move in multiple directions without requiring complete disassembly or complex reconfiguration of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The walking machine is divided into modular components including the support foot, load-bearing frame, and rotation device. This segmentation allows the support foot to be independently rotated and repositioned while the rest of the structure remains stable, providing directional flexibility without overwhelming system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If walking machines transport heavy loads using rollers or tracks, then the loads can be moved incrementally, but the support foot cannot be easily realigned with the load-bearing frame after non-linear movements
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing device automatically realigns the support foot with the load-bearing frame during the recovery phase without requiring manual intervention. As the support foot is raised above the ground surface, the biasing device exerts a restoring force that rotates the foot back into alignment with the load-bearing frame, ensuring precision readiness for the next movement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing device acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors and corrects the orientation of the support foot. When the foot deviates from alignment during non-linear movements, the biasing device generates a restoring moment that brings the foot back into proper alignment, creating a self-correcting system.
3Productivity
If heavy loads are moved by disassembling or breaking up the load, then the loads can be transported more easily, but the process is very time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation device enables the support foot to dynamically adapt its orientation during the walking cycle, allowing the apparatus to navigate complex paths and reposition loads efficiently without requiring disassembly. This dynamic capability maintains productivity while avoiding the time-consuming breakdown and reassembly processes.
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
Enables precise positioning and reorientation of heavy loads over small distances with enhanced flexibility, allowing movement in various directions, including perpendicular and curved paths, without the need for disassembly, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing the time required for load adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a load transporting apparatus that automatically aligns a support foot of the apparatus with a load-bearing frame connected to the load transporting apparatus during a recovery phase of an incremental walking movement. In particular, the load transporting apparatus includes a linking device attached to a support foot of the apparatus and a biasing device connected to the linking device that is deflected during non-linear load transporting movements, where the biasing device acts to automatically return the support foot to an aligned position relative to the load-bearing frame after a non-linear movement has been completed and the support foot is raised above a ground surface.