Self-Propelled Module for Oversize Loads with Hydraulic Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicles and modular systems for transporting oversize loads face challenges such as limited ground contact points, uneven weight distribution, stability issues, and maneuverability problems, particularly when dealing with heavy and large loads.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled module with oil-pressure controlled ground movement assemblies and suspension systems, featuring tracked shoes with independent oscillation and a low resting surface, allowing for better weight distribution and enhanced steering capabilities, and the ability to connect with other modules for adaptable transportation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wheeled vehicles are used for transporting oversize loads, then the vehicle structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ground contact points are limited and weight distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent modules, each with its own ground contact system. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple modules, increasing the number of ground contact points and improving weight distribution uniformity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional wheeled contact to tracked contact, effectively changing the dimension of ground interaction. The tracks provide continuous ground contact along their length rather than at discrete wheel contact points, significantly increasing the effective ground contact area and improving weight distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If tracked module systems are used to increase ground contact points, then weight distribution improves, but the resting surface becomes unstable due to height differences caused by ground hollows
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates active suspension systems that dynamically adjust the height of each module independently. This allows the system to adapt to ground irregularities in real-time, maintaining a stable resting surface for the transported body while preserving the improved weight distribution provided by multiple ground contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system uses feedback from ground height sensors to actively adjust module positions. This feedback mechanism compensates for ground hollows and irregularities, ensuring that the resting surface remains stable and horizontal even when operating on uneven terrain
3Power
If monolithic motorized vehicles are used for transporting oversize loads, then the vehicle has sufficient power and maneuverability, but the resting surface is very high from the ground causing stability problems
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into multiple low-profile modules that operate in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to achieve sufficient power through multiple independent propulsion units while maintaining a low resting surface close to the ground, thereby improving stability without sacrificing power capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple low-power tracked modules are merged to function as a single transportation system. The combined power of multiple modules provides sufficient propulsion capability for oversize loads, while the low profile of each individual module ensures the resting surface remains close to the ground for enhanced stability
4Strength
If conventional steerable trailers are used, then the vehicle can bear heavy loads, but the number of ground contact points is low and maneuvering is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The trailer is segmented into multiple independently steerable modules. Each module has its own ground contact system and steering mechanism, allowing the system to maintain high load bearing capacity through distributed weight support while improving maneuverability through independent module steering capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system allows dynamic adjustment of each module's steering angle independently. This dynamic steering capability enables the multi-module system to navigate tight curves and confined spaces more effectively than conventional rigid trailers, while the distributed ground contact points maintain load bearing capacity
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
The solution enables the transportation of tens of tons of load with improved stability and maneuverability, achieving better weight distribution and increased steering angles compared to conventional systems, while allowing for modular adaptation to various transport requirements.
Implementation Method 1
two ground movement assemblies (11, 12) with oil-pressure controlled actuation
Implementation Method 2
oil-pressure controlled suspension means (14, 15), which are arranged on corresponding oscillating supports (16, 17)
Implementation Method 3
tracked shoes (25) for moving on the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled module for oversize loads includes two ground movement assemblies with oil-pressure controlled actuation; a transverse rocker arranged between the movement assemblies, which are coupled thereto independently; oil-pressure controlled suspension elements, arranged on corresponding oscillating supports coupled to the transverse rocker; and a load-bearing frame, supported by the oil-pressure controlled suspension elements. The load-bearing frame includes an oil-pressure controlled circuit adapted to serve the ground movement assemblies and the suspension means elements. The module further includes a rotary distribution unit, having a vertical axis, mounted on the load-bearing frame for supplying the ground movement assemblies and the oil-pressure controlled suspension elements, a first part of the rotary distribution unit being fixed to the load-bearing frame, and a second part being free to rotate about the vertical of the resting surface with respect to the load-bearing frame.