Remotely Driven Shuttle Car Mechanical Power Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling systems require electric power to move shuttles between locations, which can be inefficient and limited by power source availability.
Innovation Solution
A guided shuttle system that uses mechanical power from a remotely located source, with synchronized drive belts and conveyors, allowing movement without electric power on the shuttle itself, utilizing adjustable idlers and a clutch/brake mechanism for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric power is provided on the shuttle to move materials, then the shuttle can operate autonomously and move quickly, but the system becomes more complex and power availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the shuttle itself and relocates it to a fixed station. The shuttle becomes a power-free moving platform that is pulled by a remotely located power source, eliminating the need for onboard power systems while maintaining autonomous-like operation through centralized control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical coupling system as an intermediary between the fixed power source and the shuttle. This coupling mechanism transfers power remotely through a physical connection that allows the shuttle to be pulled without direct power integration, resolving the contradiction between autonomous operation and power source complexity
2Reliability
If mechanical power is transmitted from a remote source, then power source availability is reduced to simple fixed locations, but the system becomes more reliable and efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed power station serves multiple functions: it powers the shuttle during movement, provides mechanical coupling, and acts as a docking station for material transfer. This multi-functionality at a single fixed location enhances reliability while compensating for reduced flexibility through efficient resource utilization
3Speed
If the shuttle uses onboard electric power, then movement can be controlled precisely, but the system requires complex power management and is limited by battery or power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electric power system with a mechanical pull system. Instead of using electric motors and power management on the shuttle, a mechanical coupling system transfers power from a fixed source, eliminating energy consumption concerns while maintaining controlled movement through mechanical means
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 efficient and reliable movement of materials between locations without the need for electric power on the shuttle, ensuring continuous operation and reducing dependency on power sources, while maintaining conveyor functionality through synchronized mechanical power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyor is driven by a remotely located mechanical power source
Implementation Method 2
utilizing adjustable idlers and a clutch/brake mechanism for controlled operation
Data Source
AI summary
A shuttle system includes a shuttle which has no onboard power to drive the shuttle nor to drive a conveyor carried by said shuttle. The shuttle is moved by a first drive element which is driven by a remotely located mechanical power source. The conveyor is connected to a second drive element and is selectively actuated driving said second drive element such that there is a speed difference between the second drive element and the first drive element.