Modular Tyred Vehicle for Excavator Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailers used for carrying large excavator machines are unsatisfactory due to tilting and instability during loading and unloading, especially on uneven or wet surfaces, and are not suitable for the extreme weight of machines up to a thousand tons, leading to stress on wheels and suspension, and pose manufacturing and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tyred vehicle with a modular, longitudinally extending loading platform and two motorized steering wheel assemblies, each comprising multiple blocks connected by hinges and hydraulic suspension, ensuring the platform remains stable on the ground during operations, with fixed ramps for easy loading and unloading without reversing the excavator machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a trailer with a single row of wheels and a loading ramp is used, then the excavator machine can be loaded and unloaded, but the platform tilts and the machine slips during loading and unloading operations
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is divided into multiple independent modular units (first platform unit, second platform unit, third platform unit) that can be independently positioned and stabilized. Each unit has its own wheel assembly and can be independently lowered to the ground, distributing the stabilization function across multiple segments rather than relying on a single rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform units are equipped with movable wheel assemblies that can be dynamically positioned and lowered to the ground during loading operations. The hydraulic suspension system allows the platform to adapt its position dynamically, maintaining stability while accommodating the loading process.
2Ease of operation
If the trailer platform is raised from the ground with a movable hydraulic ramp, then access to the platform is improved, but extreme weight of excavator machines generates extremely high stresses on wheels and suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into multiple units with distributed wheel assemblies. Instead of concentrating all weight on a single suspension system, the weight is distributed across multiple independent wheel-ramp assemblies, each capable of handling a portion of the total load independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform units can be lowered to the ground in a vertical dimension, creating multiple contact points with the ground. This dimensional change distributes the load across multiple support points rather than relying solely on the horizontal suspension system.
3Reliability
If the trailer platform is lowered to the ground for loading, then stability is improved, but the trailer becomes difficult to transport and maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel assemblies are designed to be movable and can be dynamically positioned. During transport, the wheels can be retracted or positioned to allow maneuverability, while during loading operations, they can be extended and lowered to provide stability. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability and maneuverability.
4Area of stationary object
If a large size trailer is used to carry excavator machines, then the loading platform length and width are sufficient, but manufacturing and transfer to areas of use become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is divided into multiple modular units of manageable size. Each unit can be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes and then assembled on-site to form the complete large platform. This segmentation makes both manufacturing and transport feasible while maintaining the required total platform area.
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
The solution provides absolute stability and ease of operation by keeping the loading platform grounded, reducing overloads on the vehicle components, facilitating side-loading and unloading, and allowing for modular and easily maintainable design, enhancing safety and efficiency in transporting heavy excavator machines.
Implementation Method 1
Each block 15 comprises a respective frame 16, which extends in the longitudinal direction, is stably connected to respective blocks 12 in a releasable manner and to a frame 16 adjacent thereto always in a releasable manner. Conveniently, two adjacent frames 16 are connected one to the other by a hinge joint 18 having a hinge axis 19 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 4 and by way of screw devices, known per se, not visible in the accompanying figures to define a loading floor that is continuous i.e. with no openings.
Implementation Method 2
two adjacent frames 16 are connected one to the other by a hinge joint 18 having a hinge axis 19 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction 4
Implementation Method 3
by way of screw devices, known per se, not visible in the accompanying figures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tyred vehicle (1) for carrying an excavator machine (2) having a loading platform (3) extending in a longitudinal direction (4) and two motorized tyred axle assemblies (5) extending in parallel directions to the longitudinal direction (4) and arranged on opposite lateral parts of the loading platform (3); the loading platform (3) and the axles assemblies (5) being longitudinally divided into a plurality of respective modules (12) (15) mutually aligned side by side and the loading platform (3) having two fixed ramps (11) opposed to each other and being movable parallel to itself from and towards a position for loading/unloading, wherein it rests completely on the ground.