Self-adaptive Gear Walking Device for Heavy-Duty Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heavy-duty walking mechanisms for transporting heavy goods in narrow spaces face issues with accuracy, high load capacity, stability, and susceptibility to rollover and tipping, leading to potential material spillage.

Innovation Solution

A self-adaptive heavy-duty gear transmission walking device utilizing herringbone gear transmission, elastic support mechanisms, and a stop mechanism to enhance stability, load capacity, and prevent rollover, with magnetic connections for smooth operation and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a gear-rack drive system is used for heavy-duty transportation, then load capacity is improved, but stability deteriorates due to rollover and tipping

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic suspension system with adjustable damping coefficients that adapts to different loading conditions. The suspension parameters are optimized to maintain stability across varying loads, preventing rollover while preserving high load capacity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to transition between stable states for different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes key parameters including the gear ratio (using a two-stage reduction with ratios of 3.5:1 and 2.8:1), suspension stiffness, and damping coefficients to optimize both load capacity and stability. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves enhanced stability against rollover while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a walking mechanism is used for narrow space transportation, then adaptability is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using encoders on the motors to monitor actual position and compare it with the target position. The control algorithm adjusts motor commands based on position errors, achieving precise positioning (accuracy within ±2mm) while maintaining the adaptability of the walking mechanism for narrow spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces pure mechanical positioning with an electromechanical control system. Motors with encoders and electronic feedback control substitute for mechanical positioning mechanisms, enabling precise positioning while maintaining the mechanical walking mechanism's adaptability for navigating narrow and complex terrains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a suspension system is used to enhance stability, then shock-proof capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock-proof capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the suspension system into modular components: independent suspension units at each corner of the platform, each with its own spring-damper assembly. This segmentation allows the complex shock-proof functionality to be achieved through multiple simple, identical modules rather than one complex centralized system, making maintenance and manufacturing more manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes suspension parameters including spring stiffness (k = 15-20 kN/m) and damping coefficients to achieve the required shock-proof capability. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system attains high stability and shock resistance while avoiding excessive complexity in the suspension design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If magnetic connection is used for smooth operation, then friction is reduced, but load capacity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth operationVSAvoidload capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two different transmission mechanisms: a magnetic drive system for smooth, low-friction operation during normal travel, and a mechanical gear-rack system for high-load capacity requirements. The magnetic motors provide smooth operation for light to moderate loads, while the mechanical gear system engages when maximum load capacity is needed, combining the advantages of both systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically switches between magnetic and mechanical drive modes based on load conditions. During normal operation with lighter loads, the magnetic connection provides smooth operation with reduced friction. When heavy loads are detected, the system transitions to the mechanical gear-rack system to maintain adequate load capacity, optimizing performance across the full range of operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The device achieves high stability, prevents skidding, and ensures accurate positioning with enhanced load capacity and shock-proof capabilities, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art by maintaining stability and preventing rollover during heavy-duty operations.

Implementation Method 1

The walking mechanism penetrates through the carrying seat and is magnetically connected to the guide track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic connection: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

A first spring is sleeved on each of the first guide shafts... One end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the first slider, and the other end of the first spring is fixedly connected to the triangle plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic support: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11674570B1Self-adaptive heavy-duty gear transmission walking device
Publication Date: 2023.06.13 XUZHOU XCMG DRIVELINE TECH CO LTD
  • US11674570B1 patent drawing
  • US11674570B1 patent drawing
  • US11674570B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A self-adaptive heavy-duty gear transmission walking device includes a guide track. A carrying seat is slidably installed on the guide track. A loading platform is arranged on the carrying seat, and matching frames are arranged at the bottom of the carrying seat and positioned opposite from each other. A first driving mechanism, a walking mechanism, a first support bracket, a stop mechanism, and a second support bracket are arranged on the carrying seat. A vertical support mechanism and a horizontal support mechanism are arranged in the matching frame. The first driving mechanism is connected to one end of the walking mechanism. The walking mechanism penetrates through the carrying seat and is magnetically connected to the guide track. The other end of the walking mechanism is connected to a first transmission shaft. The first transmission shaft penetrates through the first support bracket and is fixedly installed with a brake disc.