Omni-directional Vehicles with Height Adjustment for Uneven Floor Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Moving large rigid structures over uneven surfaces poses challenges due to induced unwanted loads, which can cause wear and damage, and existing solutions often require multiple specialized moving systems, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising omni-directional vehicles with height adjusting devices and load sensors, controlled by a communication network to maintain stable movement by compensating for floor unevenness and adjusting the load distribution, allowing for coordinated and flexible movement of large structures without inducing excessive stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple movable supports are used to support large structures, then the structure can be supported at multiple locations, but the movable supports drift in unwanted directions due to floor unevenness, resulting in unstable motion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of structure motionVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple movable supports
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the support system adaptive and responsive to real-time conditions. Each movable support is equipped with sensors that detect floor unevenness, and the control system dynamically adjusts the position and height of each support to compensate for detected variations, maintaining stable motion despite the complexity of multiple supports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through sensors on each movable support that continuously monitor floor conditions and support positions. This feedback is processed by a control system that sends correction signals to adjust the supports, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that stabilizes the structure's motion by counteracting drift caused by floor unevenness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If dedicated moving systems are designed for each specific aircraft part, then the part can be moved precisely, but the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of part movementVSAvoidnumber of specialized moving systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single multi-functional movable support system that can handle different aircraft parts through reconfiguration. The system uses standardized supports with adjustable parameters (height, position, load capacity) that can be adapted to various part geometries and weight distributions, eliminating the need for dedicated moving systems for each part type while maintaining movement precision

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the movable support system to adjust its operational parameters (such as support height, horizontal position, and load distribution) based on the specific aircraft part being moved. This flexibility enables a single system to precisely move different parts by changing its configuration rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each part

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2913731B1Systems and methods for movement of objects on uneven floor
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2913731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2913731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2913731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods for movement of objects are provided. One system includes a plurality of vehicles configured to support the object, wherein each of the vehicles includes omni-directional wheels and a height adjusting device. The system also includes a control system in communication with the plurality of vehicles, wherein the control system is configured to transmit a signal to the plurality of vehicles instructing the plurality of vehicles to move the object in a predetermined direction along the floor. Each of the plurality of vehicles is configured to adjust at least one of a direction of movement using the omni-directional wheels or a height at which the object is supported while moving the part in the predetermined direction using the height adjusting device.