Self-Powered Lifting Device With Shiftable Center of Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towing devices face challenges in maneuvering vehicles with limited space, especially in low-ceiling areas like ship holds and parking garages, due to their size and inability to operate effectively with high mobility and small turn radius, which can lead to damage to vehicles and surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered, skid-steer type apparatus with dual pairs of endless tracks that can shift the center of gravity to support the vehicle on either the front or rear tracks, allowing for independent operation of each track pair and enabling small turning radius and high mobility, along with a radio frequency remote control for operation in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional towing devices are used to move vehicles in limited spaces, then the vehicles can be moved, but the device cannot maneuver effectively due to large size and inability to achieve small turn radius
Solution Approach 1:
The towing device is divided into separate functional modules including a lifting mechanism with independent track systems for each side. This segmentation allows the device to maneuver in confined spaces by operating tracks independently to achieve tight turning radii while maintaining overall structural integrity for vehicle support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic track adjustment capabilities where the endless tracks can be independently controlled to provide variable speed and direction on each side. This dynamic control enables the device to achieve small turning radii and adapt to limited spatial constraints while maintaining the ability to support and move heavy vehicles.
2Ease of operation
If conventional towing devices with seated operator are used, then the operator can control the device, but the device cannot operate in low-ceiling areas such as ship holds
Solution Approach 1:
A radio frequency remote control system serves as an intermediary between the operator and the towing device. This allows the operator to control the device from a distance, eliminating the need for a seated operator on the device itself and enabling operation in low-ceiling areas such as ship holds and confined parking spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical control system requiring physical presence on the device is replaced with radio frequency remote control. This substitution eliminates the height constraint imposed by an operator's seat and control mechanisms, allowing the device to operate in spaces with limited vertical clearance.
3Productivity
If towing devices operate in close storage areas, then vehicles can be moved, but damage may occur to vehicles and adjacent structures due to limited maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates localized control capabilities through independent track operation and precise positioning mechanisms. This allows different parts of the device to perform specialized functions, enabling careful maneuvering in close storage areas while maintaining the overall capability to move heavy vehicles without causing damage to adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control system provides feedback mechanisms that allow the operator to precisely control the device's movements in real-time. This enables accurate positioning and maneuvering in confined spaces with close storage, reducing the risk of damage to vehicles and adjacent structures while maintaining productivity in vehicle movement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An self-powered apparatus for moving objects that can be rolled or dragged across a surface, one embodiment of the apparatus operating on either of front or rear endless track pairs the apparatus center of gravity being forwardly and rearwardly shiftable to select between use of the front or rear endless tracks for movement of the vehicle across a surface.