Movable Loading Platform for Flexible Transport Vehicle Cargo Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicles lack flexibility in loading and unloading cargo, as the order of floor segments must be specific due to their fixed movement mechanism, which restricts efficient handling, especially in situations where loading and unloading occur at a single address.
Innovation Solution
The transport vehicle employs two endless chain conveyors driven by gear sprockets, allowing loading platform parts to remain substantially horizontal and be moved vertically to create space for loading or unloading, enabling flexible positioning of cargo without disturbing other segments, using guide means and locking mechanisms for secure transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floor segments are moved by a conveyor chain in the known device, then loading and unloading can take place, but only in a specific fixed order, which reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The loading platform is divided into multiple independent platform parts that can be moved separately. Each platform part can be independently positioned and manipulated by the conveyor system, allowing selective access to any segment without requiring sequential movement of all segments, thus enabling flexible loading and unloading orders.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed to dynamically adjust the position and orientation of individual platform parts. The conveyor can tilt platform parts at an angle and move them horizontally to different positions, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on loading requirements rather than following a fixed sequence.
2Ease of operation
If loading platform parts are moved vertically to create space, then flexible positioning is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases with multiple conveyors and sprockets
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism. The same conveyor that moves platform parts horizontally also tilts them vertically, and the gear sprockets serve both to drive the conveyors and to control the tilting motion. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform horizontal transport, vertical tilting, and positioning of platform parts using the same basic mechanism. The gear sprockets and conveyor structure serve multiple purposes in different operational phases, making the system versatile without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Productivity
If floor segments are tilted up along the rear wall for unloading, then space is created for next segments, but the segments must be presented in reverse order, limiting loading flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system preliminarily positions and orients platform parts before they reach the loading/unloading position. By tilting platform parts at an angle and moving them horizontally in advance, the system prepares the optimal configuration for efficient loading or unloading operations, allowing the most accessible segments to be presented first regardless of their original position in the sequence.
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
This design allows for flexible and efficient loading and unloading of cargo in any order, improving operational efficiency by enabling continuous movement of desired loading platform parts to the unloading opening, accommodating varying cargo dimensions and facilitating easy adaptation of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the conveyer comprises two endless chain conveyors which are each driven by a driven gear sprocket and whose path is further determined by non-driven gear sprockets
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport vehicle comprising a cargo area having a front side, a rear side provided with a loading and unloading opening, a loading platform for supporting cargo. The cargo area comprises loading platform parts extending across at least part of the width, which are separated from each other at least in the longitudinal direction, and a conveyor for moving loading platform parts in horizontal and vertical direction, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, within the cargo area. The transport vehicle is designed to maintain the loading platform parts at least substantially in a horizontal position in the cargo area while the loading platform parts are being moved within the cargo area.