Monolithic Modular Line with Movable Trolley

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular lines in the industrial sector face high costs and long assembly times due to the need for multiple connected section bars, which also lead to stress concentrations and discontinuities, especially when modifications are required for operational or logistic changes.

Innovation Solution

A multi-service modular line utilizing a single monolithic hollow aluminum bar with integrated ducts and channels, featuring a movable trolley that can be inserted and configured at any point along the line without disassembly, using a trolley with axles and wheels that can be rotated for secure positioning and rolling motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple section bars are used to form modular lines, then the line can be configured for specific operational requirements, but assembly time increases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconfigurabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate section bars into a single monolithic bar structure. The bar (1) is designed as one continuous piece that integrates the functions of multiple sections, eliminating the need for assembly operations between sections while maintaining the ability to configure different service positions along the bar's length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monolithic bar is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of services (fluid supply, electrical energy, network signals, mechanical support) through integrated ducts and channels. This allows a single bar to replace multiple specialized sections, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple section bars are connected firmly, then structural stability is maintained, but stress concentrations increase at connection points

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstress concentrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

By combining multiple sections into one monolithic bar, the patent eliminates connection points entirely. The continuous structure of bar (1) without joints or fasteners removes the sources of stress concentrations that would otherwise occur at connection points between separate sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If interruptions are provided in the bar for trolley insertion, then trolley access is enabled, but discontinuities and stress concentrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrolley accessVSAvoidstress concentrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The trolley (9) is nested within the bar structure, with its support portion (10) positioned inside the bar's hollow interior. The trolley accesses the bar through the lateral opening (7) without creating interruptions or discontinuities in the bar's structural path, eliminating stress concentrations while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Loss of time

If a single monolithic bar is used, then assembly time is reduced and costs are lowered, but the bar must accommodate all services within one structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidintegrated structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While the bar itself is monolithic, the patent applies segmentation internally by providing separate ducts (3) and channels (5) for different services (fluids, electrical cables, network lines). This internal segmentation allows each service type to be independently routed and managed within the unified bar structure, reducing the complexity burden of integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple service conduits within the hollow interior of the bar. Ducts for fluids and channels for electrical cabling are positioned one within another or adjacent to each other inside the bar's cross-section, allowing compact integration of multiple services without increasing external dimensions or assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2540646B1Multi-service modular line and trolley for said modular line
Publication Date: 2014.03.19 SICOMAT
  • EP2540646B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2540646B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A multi-service modular line (1) comprises a single monolithic profiled bar (2), which defines at least one duct (3,5) for the passage of an operative fluid or of an electric cabling, delimits a channel (6) connected with the outside through a longitudinal side passage (7) and partially houses a trolley (9), which projects outside the bar (2) and is configurable to be placed at any point of the channel (6) through the passage (7).