Mobile Platform Rocker Beam Suspension and Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile platforms for materials transport, especially those used in warehouse applications, face challenges with maneuverability due to internal resistance in their drive systems and the risk of tipping when carrying heavy loads, especially when in manual or powered-down modes.
Innovation Solution
A mobile platform design featuring a pair of suspension devices with rocker beams that rotate between two positions, allowing central wheels to drive the platform in one position and end wheels to facilitate manual movement in another, combined with load cells and sensors to adjust movement and prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If central wheels are used to drive the platform, then the platform can be powered and transport heavy loads, but the drive systems create internal resistance that makes manual maneuvering difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker beam enables dynamic reconfiguration of the wheel system, allowing transition between powered mode (central wheels engaged) and manual mode (end wheels engaged). This dynamic structural change resolves the contradiction by adapting the drive system configuration to the current operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel system is segmented into central drive wheels and end maneuvering wheels, which can be independently engaged or disengaged through the rocker beam mechanism. This segmentation allows the platform to optimize for either powered transport or manual maneuvering at any given time.
2Productivity
If the platform carries heavy loads, then materials transport capacity is improved, but the risk of tipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
Load cells and sensors provide real-time feedback on load distribution and platform stability. This feedback enables the control system to detect potential tipping conditions and adjust the platform's movement or position to prevent tipping, allowing safe transport of heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical stability design with a sensor-based control system. Load cells and sensors electronically monitor load conditions and enable active stability management, allowing the platform to safely handle heavier loads than traditional mechanical designs would permit.
3Speed
If central wheels are extended for driving, then powered movement is enabled, but manual maneuvering resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker beam provides dynamic repositioning of wheels, allowing the platform to switch between configurations optimized for powered movement (central wheels down) and manual maneuvering (end wheels down). This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for a fixed design that must compromise between the two modes.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.