Offset Drive Module Layout for Uneven-Ground Mobile Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile transport systems in technical facilities face challenges in efficiently navigating uneven ground and varying obstacles, while also ensuring even load distribution and directional maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile transport system featuring offset drive modules with multiple rotatably mounted casters and pivoting load levers, allowing for adjustable load distribution and compensation for uneven ground, along with a braking system integrated into the casters for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mobile transport system uses a simple caster configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to navigate uneven ground and obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile transport system divides the caster support function into multiple independent casters (first, second, third, and fourth casters) positioned at different locations. Each caster can independently rotate and pivot to adapt to terrain variations, allowing the system to navigate uneven ground and obstacles while maintaining manageable complexity through modular segmentation of the support function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the load-holding unit is supported at multiple points, then load distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile transport system combines multiple support functions into an integrated structure where the load-holding unit is supported by multiple casters that work together as a unified system. The first and second load levers connect the load-holding unit to the first and third casters, while the fourth caster provides additional support, creating a coordinated multi-point support system that distributes load effectively without requiring separate complex support mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the casters are mounted for rotation about different axes, then maneuverability and directional control are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile transport system employs asymmetric caster mounting where the first caster rotates about a first axis, the second caster about a second axis, the third caster about a third axis, and the fourth caster about a fourth axis. This asymmetric configuration allows each caster to optimize its rotation for specific maneuvering requirements, enabling precise directional control and navigation capabilities while the modular asymmetric design keeps individual caster units relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile transport system for transporting objects, e.g., in a technical facility, includes a first drive module and a second drive module, which are offset relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, and a load-holding unit, which is supported on the drive modules. Each of the drive modules includes a module frame, a first caster, which is mounted for rotation about a first axis of rotation, a second caster, which is mounted for rotation about a second axis of rotation, a third caster, which is mounted for rotation about a third axis of rotation, a fourth caster, which is mounted for rotation about a fourth axis of rotation, and a drive unit. The drive unit includes a drive frame disposed on the module frame, a first drive wheel, which can be rotated about a first drive axis, and a second drive wheel, which can be rotated about a second drive axis, the first caster being disposed on a first load lever (21), which can be pivoted relative to the module frame about a load axis extending in a transverse direction, the second caster being disposed on a second load lever, which can be pivoted relative to the module frame about the load axis, the third caster being disposed on the module frame, the fourth caster (44) being disposed on the module frame. The load-carrying unit is supported, at a first support point, on the first load lever and, at a second support point, on the second load lever.