Pivot-Arm Load Securing for Autonomous Vehicle Cargo Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load securing methods for vehicles require significant manual effort and time, making them unsuitable for autonomous vehicles that operate without personnel.

Innovation Solution

A load securing device with swivel arms that pivot into an upright position to clamp tensioning devices along the circumference of a load-receiving device, providing secure load retention without the need for manual intervention, inspired by the design of a foldable wall-mounted clothes dryer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual load securing methods are used, then load can be secured, but significant manual effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload securing automationVSAvoidload securing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The load securing device operates autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The pivoting arm automatically positions and tensions the tensioning device to secure the load, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for personnel during the securing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated mechanical system. The pivoting arm mechanism substitutes human physical effort with an automated device that can be controlled remotely or through automation systems, thereby increasing productivity while achieving full automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of substance

If conventional load securing methods are used, then load can be secured, but material consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial consumptionVSAvoidload securing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tensioning device is designed to be reusable rather than disposable. After securing the load, the tensioning device can be released and reused for subsequent loading operations, significantly reducing material consumption compared to single-use securing methods while maintaining reliable load retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The pivoting arm mechanism allows for adjustable tensioning parameters. By changing the pivot angle and tensioning force parameters, the system can adapt to different load requirements, ensuring reliable securing while using minimal material resources through optimized tension application

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 automated and efficient load securing on vehicles, reducing material consumption and eliminating the need for additional personnel, particularly beneficial for autonomous vehicles and mobile picking robots.

Implementation Method 1

a tensioning device is attached to the pivot arm in such a way that by pivoting the pivot arm into the upright position, the tensioning device attached to the pivot arm is clamped along the circumferential side to secure the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3778303B1Load receiving device with load securing device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 STILL GMBH
  • EP3778303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778303B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3778303B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a load receiving device (2) for receiving a load, wherein the load receiving device (2) has a load securing device (5) for securing the load (6) in the area of ​​the load receiving device (2). It is proposed that the load securing device (5) has at least one pivot arm (4) on at least one circumferential side of the load receiving device (2), which is pivotable between a position lying along the circumferential side and an upright position, and on which a clamping device (7) is attached, wherein by pivoting the pivot arm (4) into the upright position the clamping device (7) can be clamped to secure the load (6) along the circumferential side.