Load Unit Guiding Arms for Controlled Connection in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load unit arrangements face challenges in connecting and disconnecting units efficiently, safely, and with minimal space requirements, often necessitating complex and expensive modifications like lifts or cranes, and struggle with controlled movement to prevent tangling and uncontrolled sliding.
Innovation Solution
A load unit arrangement with a guiding device and braking mechanism that allows load units to be connected or disconnected by sliding in a controlled manner, using a first longitudinal direction, with minimal space requirements and requiring minimal modifications to existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If load units are connected and disconnected by sliding them sequentially into the ground, then the connecting and disconnecting can be performed with simple equipment, but the space required becomes very large (at least three or more times the length of the load unit and vehicle)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the disconnecting operation from a horizontal sliding motion (one dimension) to a vertical lifting motion (another dimension). The upper load unit is lifted vertically using the vehicle's lifting mechanism, then guided horizontally along the guiding device. This dimensional change allows the operation to be performed in a compact space while maintaining controlled movement and preventing tangling of the load units.
2Device complexity
If load units are disconnected by sliding the upper load unit away, then the operation can be performed with minimal equipment, but the upper load unit may slide in an uncontrolled and unsafe manner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guiding device as an intermediary mechanism between the upper and lower load units. This guiding device includes guiding surfaces and stopping members that control the horizontal movement of the upper load unit during disconnecting. The vehicle's lifting mechanism serves as another intermediary to provide controlled vertical lifting. These intermediary devices ensure the upper load unit moves in a controlled, predictable manner rather than sliding freely, thereby improving safety and reliability while keeping the overall equipment complexity manageable.
3Reliability
If lifts or cranes are added to modify existing systems for connecting and disconnecting load units, then the control and safety are improved, but the modification cost and complexity increase remarkably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vehicle's existing lifting mechanism perform multiple functions: it not only lifts the upper load unit during disconnecting operations but also guides it horizontally along the guiding device. The vehicle serves as both the transport platform and the lifting/guiding mechanism. This multi-functionality approach improves control and safety without requiring separate dedicated lifting equipment, thereby avoiding remarkable increases in modification cost and complexity.
4Reliability
If the ends of load units are kept at a certain distance during lowering or lifting, then tangling is prevented, but the space required and the complexity of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by positioning stopping members on the guiding device before the disconnecting operation begins. These stopping members are pre-positioned at specific locations along the guiding surfaces. As the upper load unit is lifted and moves horizontally, the stopping members automatically engage at the appropriate moment to maintain the required distance between load unit ends, preventing tangling. This preliminary positioning approach ensures tangling prevention without requiring continuous active control or increasing the space required.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load unit arrangement (100) has first (101) and second (102) load units to be carried by a vehicle (103). Load units have first and second ends (101A, 101B, 102A, 102B) and they are configured to move in relation to each other in a first direction (115) to connect and disconnect the load units. The arrangement comprises also a guiding device (105) having a first arm (121) for guiding and lowering the first end (101A) of the first load unit (101) to the ground, and a second arm (122) for guiding and lifting the second end (102B) of the second load unit (102) over the top of the first load unit (101).