Pod Mover Coupling and Lift Design for Modular Pod Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pod movers have poor maneuverability, result in dropped cargo, and require frequent refueling, leading to wasted space, increased downtime, and longer build times in modular spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a main vehicle and secondary vehicles with spherical wheels for improved mobility, retractable bars for lifting and moving modular pods, and a controller for automated coupling and decoupling with the main vehicle and docking stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional pod movers are used, then they can transport modular pods, but they have poor maneuverability and require frequent refueling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional internal combustion engine with an electric motor system. The pod mover includes a motor mounted on the frame that drives wheels through a transmission system, eliminating the need for fuel tanks and refueling operations. This substitution of mechanical propulsion systems directly resolves the contradiction by removing the refueling requirement while maintaining mobility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propulsion parameter from chemical energy (fuel) to electrical energy. The electric motor system with battery power source fundamentally alters the energy parameter of the pod mover, eliminating the need for frequent refueling while improving maneuverability through precise electronic control of the motor.
2Reliability
If traditional pod movers are used, then they can move pods, but they drop cargo and cause increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary coupling action where the front end of the pod mover automatically engages with the pod's coupling mechanism before full contact. The controller coordinates the extension of front bars to engage the pod's rear bars, ensuring secure attachment before movement begins. This preliminary coupling action prevents cargo drops and eliminates the need for corrective maneuvers that cause downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller monitors the coupling status between the pod mover and the pod. The controller receives feedback from sensors that detect whether the bars are properly engaged, and adjusts the coupling process accordingly to ensure secure attachment. This feedback mechanism prevents cargo drops by verifying proper coupling before movement and reduces downtime by quickly detecting and correcting any coupling issues.
3Ease of operation
If storage areas for modular pods are not optimized, then pod movers can operate freely, but wasted space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pod mover's structure dynamic through retractable bars that can extend and retract based on operational needs. The front and rear bars extend during coupling operations and retract during movement and storage. This dynamic configuration allows the pod mover to adapt its dimensions, optimizing space utilization in storage areas while maintaining full operational mobility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nesting principle where the retractable bars are stored within the pod mover's frame when not in use. The front and rear bars can be retracted into hollow chambers or mounted on rotating mechanisms that tuck them into the vehicle body. This nesting approach minimizes the pod mover's footprint in storage areas while preserving the full extension capability for coupling operations, thereby optimizing space utilization without sacrificing ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are apparatus for a system includes a main vehicle and a secondary vehicle configured to couple to the main vehicle. The secondary vehicle includes a wheel configured to move the secondary vehicle and a body coupled to the wheel. The body includes a first set of retractable bars. The first set of retractable bars are configured to extend into receivers of the main vehicle in a deactivated state. The first set of retractable bars are further configured to be disposed in the body in a retracted state. The first set of retractable bars are further configured to extend into a pod and lift the pod in an attached state.