Mobile Transport System Wheel Decoupling for Tool-Free Breakdown Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile transport systems in technical installations face challenges in efficiently navigating obstacles and require complex tools for repair during breakdowns, particularly when drive motors or transmissions fail.

Innovation Solution

A mobile transport system with pivotable support wheels, independently driven wheels, and release levers allowing easy decoupling of drive wheels from motors, enabling free rotation and manual pushing or towing for repairs, along with a symmetrical wheel arrangement for improved maneuverability and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the drive wheels are permanently coupled to the drive motors, then the drive transmission is reliable, but the ease of repair deteriorates because special tools are required for disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of repairVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The drive transmission is divided into separable components: the drive gear can be mechanically decoupled from the drive motor using a release lever. This segmentation allows the drive wheel assembly to be separated into motor and gear portions for easier repair and maintenance without requiring special tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If complex tools are required for disassembly during breakdowns, then the connection is secure, but the loss of time increases due to lengthy repair procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloss of timeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The release lever enables operators to perform disassembly and repair operations themselves without requiring specialized tools or external assistance. The simple mechanical interface allows quick engagement and disengagement of the drive gear from the motor, significantly reducing repair time and enabling on-site maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the support wheels are fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but the ease of operation deteriorates because cornering becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support wheels are designed to be pivotable about a vertical pivot axis, transforming them from fixed static elements to dynamic components that can adapt their orientation. This pivotability enables the mobile transport system to navigate corners and change directions efficiently while maintaining stability during operation through controlled wheel positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4337483B1Mobile transport system
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 SEW EURODRIVE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4337483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4337483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4337483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile transport system (10) for transporting objects in a technical facility, comprising a pair of first support wheels (41), a pair of second support wheels (42), a pair of drive wheels (45), two drive motors (55), and two drive gears (57). Each drive wheel (45) is paired with a respective drive motor (55) and a respective drive gear (57), wherein a release lever (59) is attached to each drive gear (57), said release lever being used to mechanically separate the respective drive gear (57) from the corresponding drive motor (55) and mechanically couple the respective drive gear to the corresponding drive motor (55).