Interchangeable Body With Autonomous Lifting And Locking Legs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing swap bodies rely on external power sources for lowering and raising, limiting their independence from energy sources and infrastructure, and cannot be permanently supported on the ground without energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rechargeable energy storage system, such as an accumulator, with a direct current generator and hydraulic lifting device, allowing the swap body to operate independently of external power and maintain support on the ground, along with features like state of charge monitoring, a locking device, and a telematics unit for logistics integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the swap body uses external power sources for lowering and raising, then the lifting device can operate reliably, but the swap body becomes dependent on external infrastructure and cannot operate independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of lifting deviceVSAvoidindependence from external power sources
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The swap body is equipped with its own rechargeable energy storage system (accumulator) and direct current generator, allowing it to independently power the lifting device without relying on external household power connections. The system can charge the accumulator during transport when connected to a truck's power supply, and then autonomously perform lowering and raising operations at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the swap body uses hydraulic cylinders with motors for support, then the support function can be maintained, but the system requires continuous energy consumption and cannot be permanently supported on the ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport functionVSAvoidenergy consumption for support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is separated into two distinct systems: (1) support legs with locking mechanisms that provide passive, energy-free support when extended to the loading position, and (2) a lifting device with energy storage that provides active lifting capability when needed. This segmentation allows the swap body to be permanently supported on the ground without continuous energy consumption while retaining the ability to be raised when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 the swap body to be lowered and raised independently, ensuring continuous operation without external energy, improved accessibility, and secure logistics operations, with reduced energy consumption and enhanced logistics management.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting device advantageously includes a rechargeable store for electrical energy, which provides the electrical energy required for raising and/or lowering the swap body. Such a storage device, for example in the form of an accumulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccumulator (energy): Accumulator (energy)

Implementation Method 2

The lift device (8) comprises a hydraulic pump (12), a hydraulic tank (14) and at least one hydraulic cylinder (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic press: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3642136B1Interchangeable body
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 FAHRZEUGWERK BERNARD KRONE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3642136B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3642136B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3642136B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an interchangeable body (2) for transporting goods, comprising a base group (4) and comprising supporting legs (6) movable from a transport position into a loading position, wherein the supporting legs (6) are lockable at least in the transport position and in the loading position, and comprising at least one interchangeable body-specific lifting apparatus (8), by means of which the interchangeable body (2) can be lowered and lifted autonomously, wherein the lifting apparatus (8) has an electric motor driving the lifting and lowering of the interchangeable body (2) in the parked state and an interchangeable body-specific power generator supplying the electric motor with electrical energy.