Multi-Functional Carriage With Universal Gripping Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multifunctional carriages for mobile workshops require multiple units to transport different devices due to size and weight constraints, making them economically inefficient for various vehicle repairs.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional carriage with a support frame, internal combustion engine, air compressor, and electrical generator, equipped with a gripping apparatus and harnessing frame that allows for the transport of multiple devices using a single unit, enabling easy attachment, lifting, and movement of various modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate carriages are used to transport different devices, then each device can be properly accommodated according to its size and weight requirements, but the number of units increases and economic efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice transport capabilityVSAvoidnumber of carriages
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage is designed with a universal support frame that can accommodate multiple different devices through interchangeable harnessing frames. The base carriage includes a support frame with gripping apparatus, while devices are mounted on separate harnessing frames that can be attached to the support frame. This allows a single carriage unit to transport various devices such as tyre changers for different vehicle types, compressors, and other repair equipment, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated carriages.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components: a base carriage with support frame and gripping apparatus, and separate device modules mounted on harnessing frames. The harnessing frame can be detached and replaced to transport different devices. This segmentation allows the carriage to be configured for different transport needs without requiring multiple complete carriage units, reducing the total quantity of carriages needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If a single carriage is designed to transport multiple devices, then economic efficiency improves, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of carriagesVSAvoidcarriage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complexity is distributed across modular components rather than concentrated in a single complex structure. The base carriage has a standardized support frame with gripping apparatus, while device-specific complexity is contained in separate harnessing frames that can be independently designed and attached. This segmentation reduces the overall structural complexity of the carriage itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame is designed with universal gripping apparatus that can engage with different types of harnessing frames through standardized interfaces (hooks, lifting eyes, or other attachment points). This universality allows the same carriage structure to handle multiple device types without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity.

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

3Reliability

If devices are fixed internally in the truck, then installation is simple and reliable, but versatility and ease of movement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice installationVSAvoidcarriage functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed internal installation to dynamic external mounting. Devices are mounted on harnessing frames that can be attached to and detached from the carriage's support frame, allowing the configuration to change based on operational needs. The gripping apparatus provides secure attachment (reliability) while enabling easy reconfiguration (versatility).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device installation is segmented into the harnessing frame attachment layer and the carriage support layer. This segmentation allows devices to be reliably mounted on their respective harnessing frames while maintaining the ability to reconfigure which devices are transported together, thereby achieving both reliability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If self-propelling carriages with internal combustion engines are used, then operational autonomy is improved, but emissions and environmental impact increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational autonomyVSAvoidemissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage is equipped with an internal combustion engine that generates electrical power independently, allowing the carriage to operate autonomously without external power sources. The generator powers electrical devices on the carriage, enabling operational self-sufficiency in remote locations while reducing the need for multiple support vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows flexibility in power source selection by incorporating both an internal combustion engine with generator and the capability to connect to external power grids. This parameter change capability enables switching between emission-generating autonomous operation and emission-free grid-powered operation depending on environmental requirements and availability of external power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the efficient and cost-effective transport of multiple devices with a single carriage, reducing the need for multiple units and allowing for versatile use in different repair scenarios, while also providing an option to use grid electricity for reduced emissions.

Implementation Method 1

an internal combustion engine able to actuate an air compressor and an electrical current generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInternal combustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

an internal combustion engine able to actuate an air compressor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

an electrical current generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3120978B1A multi-functional carriage
Publication Date: 2020.01.29 WM SYST SRL
  • EP3120978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3120978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3120978B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A multi-functional carriage comprising: a support frame provided with wheels; an internal combustion engine able to actuate an air compressor and an electrical current generator, wherein the internal combustion engine, the air compressor and the electrical current generator are installed on-board the support frame, characterised in that the support frame comprises a gripping apparatus able to engage and raise a harnessing frame for various devices.