Self-Propelled Platform Guide Mechanism for Rail Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-propelled platforms used in vehicle systems require labor-intensive and time-consuming processes to traverse between vehicles, necessitating bridges that are awkward to handle and secure, leading to significant delays and inefficiencies in material unloading and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled platform with a wheel assembly that includes multiple independent wheel assemblies with guides, allowing it to transition seamlessly between vehicles without the need for external bridges, by engaging and aligning with the rails of adjacent vehicles, ensuring secure and efficient movement across gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bridges are used to enable the self-propelled platform to travel between vehicles, then the platform can move between vehicles, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need to install and remove bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external bridge structure from the system entirely. Instead of using separate bridges that must be installed and removed, the self-propelled platform integrates its own wheel assembly with guides that directly engage with the rails of adjacent vehicles, eliminating the need for external bridges and the associated installation/removal processes
Solution Approach 2:
The self-propelled platform performs its own traversal between vehicles using its integrated wheel assembly and guide mechanisms. The platform guides itself onto the rails of adjacent vehicles through the guide structures that engage with the rails, eliminating the need for external assistance in bridge installation and removal
2Ease of operation
If bridges are used to enable the self-propelled platform to travel between vehicles, then the platform can move between vehicles, but the process becomes labor-intensive requiring significant man-hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external bridge structure from the system entirely. Instead of using separate bridges that must be installed and removed, the self-propelled platform integrates its own wheel assembly with guides that directly engage with the rails of adjacent vehicles, eliminating the need for external bridges and the associated installation/removal processes
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel assembly with integrated guides serves multiple functions: it supports the platform on the current vehicle, guides the platform onto the rail of the adjacent vehicle, and provides propulsion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate bridge structures and handling equipment
3Reliability
If bridges are secured between vehicles, then the self-propelled platform can travel between vehicles, but material removal operations are delayed until bridges are in place
Solution Approach 1:
The self-propelled platform is already positioned and ready for operation on the current vehicle. When material removal is complete, the platform can immediately begin traversal to the next vehicle using its integrated wheel assembly and guides, without waiting for external bridge installation. The guides are already part of the platform structure, ready to engage with the adjacent vehicle rails
Solution Approach 2:
The platform maintains continuous operational capability by seamlessly transitioning between vehicles. The integrated wheel assembly and guide mechanisms allow for smooth, uninterrupted traversal from one vehicle to the next, keeping the material removal operation continuous and eliminating idle time associated with bridge installation and removal
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a self-propelled platform that can traverse a first rail of a first vehicle and a first rail of a second vehicle, the first rail of the first vehicle and the first rail of the second vehicle separated in spaced relation. The self-propelled platform has a wheel assembly that can engage the first rail of the first vehicle and the first rail of the second vehicle. The wheel assembly may include at least one guide extending away from the self-propelled platform and having a size and shape to engage a first rail of the first vehicle or the first rail of the second vehicle while a portion of the self-propelled platform remains on the first rail of the first vehicle and the first rail of the second vehicle, to guide the wheel assembly onto the first rail of the first vehicle or the first rail of the second vehicle.