Rotatable Support Beam for Dual-Mode Vehicle Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle inspection systems lack the capability to efficiently manage two inspection modes, where a vehicle can either travel independently or be pulled through an inspection passage, limiting flexibility and efficiency in safety inspections.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle pulling device with a movable chassis and a rotatable support beam that switches between perpendicular and parallel positions, allowing the vehicle to be either pulled or self-powered through the inspection passage, utilizing a friction wheel and belt mechanism for support beam rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed support beam structure is used, then the vehicle can be pulled through the passage, but the system cannot accommodate vehicles that travel independently
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is made rotatable about a vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a first position (perpendicular to passage direction) for pulling vehicles and a second position (parallel to passage direction) for allowing independent vehicle travel. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different inspection modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam structure serves multiple functions: it can act as a pulling mechanism when positioned in the first position, and it can be repositioned to the second position to allow independent vehicle travel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structures for different inspection modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support beam is positioned to pull the vehicle, then the vehicle can be dragged through the passage, but the vehicle's own power source cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable support beam allows the system to dynamically switch between pulling mode (first position) and independent travel mode (second position). When in the second position, the support beam does not interfere with the vehicle's drive wheels, allowing the vehicle to utilize its own power source for energy-efficient travel through the passage.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the support beam is positioned parallel to the passage, then the vehicle can travel independently, but the vehicle cannot be pulled when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam's rotatability about a vertical axis enables it to switch between positions: parallel to the passage for independent vehicle travel, and perpendicular to the passage for pulled travel. This dynamic repositioning provides inspection mode switching capability while maintaining both operational modes.
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 two inspection modes, allowing vehicles to be either independently driven or pulled through the passage, enhancing inspection efficiency and flexibility by adapting the support beam's position based on the vehicle's power source.
Implementation Method 1
the driven member is a friction wheel, while the driving member is a friction belt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A vehicle pulling device, a system for passing a vehicle in two modes, and an inspection system for scanning a vehicle by radiation are disclosed. The vehicle pulling device comprises a movable chassis disposed in a travel passage for a vehicle and being movable in a first direction; and a support beam disposed to the movable chassis and being rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support beam is located substantially in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, such that wheels of the vehicle are interacted with the support beam of the vehicle pulling device so that the vehicle is pulled to pass through the travel passage; and in the second position, the support beam is located substantially parallel to the first direction such that the wheels of the vehicle are not interacted with the support beam of the vehicle pulling device so that the vehicle travels by itself to pass through the travel passage. Therefore, when the vehicle does not need to be pulled, the support beam is rotated to the second position, and the vehicle travels by itself to pass through the travel passage. When the support beam is rotated to the first position, the vehicle pulling device can pull the vehicle to pass through the passage.