Guided Trolley Rocker-Arm Chassis for Even Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatically guided trucks face issues with mobility due to uneven load distribution, reduced grip on uneven ground, and limited acceleration and deceleration capabilities, leading to increased energy consumption and weight transfer problems during handling and transport in logistics warehouses.

Innovation Solution

An automatically guided truck design featuring a main frame with pivotally mounted rocker arms and idler wheels, which distributes load uniformly between differential drive wheels and idler wheels, ensuring consistent adhesion and allowing for self-turning capabilities through independently controlled motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the trolley uses a four-wheel suspension chassis, then it can transport loads, but mobility is affected when load distribution is uneven or ground is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload carrying capacityVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic load distribution system where the trolley can actively adjust wheel suspension and load allocation in real-time based on detected ground conditions and load distribution, transforming the static four-wheel suspension into an adaptive system that maintains mobility while carrying loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the trolley increases its weight to pre-compress suspensions, then wheel grip on ground is improved, but energy consumption increases and range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewheel gripVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs active suspension parameters adjustment, where the trolley dynamically modifies suspension compression levels based on actual wheel-ground contact conditions, eliminating the need for permanent weight increase while maintaining optimal grip during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the suspension is compressed to maximum due to heavy load, then the trolley can support the load, but load cannot be distributed evenly across wheels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload support capacityVSAvoidload distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback control system that continuously monitors suspension compression levels and load distribution across wheels, automatically adjusting individual wheel positions and suspension forces to maintain even load distribution even when carrying heavy loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Strength

If the trolley uses a bogie configuration, then it can handle loads, but it cannot turn on its own axis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidturning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static bogie configuration with a dynamic steering system where individual wheels or wheel pairs can independently adjust their orientation and suspension characteristics, enabling the trolley to turn on its own axis while maintaining heavy load handling capability

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 solution enhances wheel adhesion, maintains load distribution, reduces energy consumption, and increases autonomy while allowing for efficient acceleration and deceleration, while being cost-effective and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

distributes load uniformly between differential drive wheels and idler wheels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

first rocker arm and a second rocker arm extending respectively towards the front and rear of said trolley, or vice versa. Said first rocker arm and said second rocker arm are pivotally mounted relative to the main chassis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3609771B1Automatically guided trolley for transporting and/or handling a load
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 EXOTEC
  • EP3609771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3609771B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3609771B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatically guided trolley (10) for transporting and/or handling a load, comprising a main frame (11) intended for receiving said load and a carrying frame (12) comprising two beams extending to the front and rear of said trolley, respectively. According to the invention, said beams are mounted so as to pivot relative to the main frame about a first axis and a second axis, respectively, and as such comprise means for rigidly connecting an arm of one beam to an arm of the other beam comprising means for resting said arm on the other arm.