Shuttle for Transporting Pallets with Coupled Wheel Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shuttles for transporting pallets in shelving structures are complex and bulky due to the need for separate drive axles and synchronizing systems for wheels, as well as additional components for upward and downward displacement of support elements.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle design where the upward and downward displacement of support elements is coupled with the displacement of first wheels, eliminating the need for additional devices to lift pallets, and using carrier elements to rotate first wheels, allowing for simpler and more compact construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive axles and synchronizing systems are used for wheels, then the shuttle can move along first and second directions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drive mechanisms for first wheels and second wheels into a single integrated structure. The first drive axle drives both first wheels and second wheels through a unified transmission system, eliminating the need for separate drive axles and synchronizing systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to move along both first and second directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for upward and downward displacement of support elements, then pallets can be lifted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of support element displacement with the existing wheel displacement mechanism. The first wheels are displaced upward and downward by the displacement device, and this same displacement action simultaneously lifts the support elements through mechanical coupling. This eliminates the need for separate motors and components dedicated solely to lifting support elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement device for first wheels serves multiple functions: it displaces the first wheels vertically and simultaneously lifts the support elements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required while maintaining the ability to transport pallets at different heights.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are made upwardly and downwardly displaceable, then pallets can be positioned at different heights, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples the displacement of support elements with the displacement of first wheels through a unified mechanical linkage. When the displacement device moves the first wheels vertically, the coupled support elements move simultaneously through the same displacement mechanism, reducing the need for independent displacement systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Shuttle (1) comprising a frame (9), first wheels (2) for moving the shuttle (1) along a first direction and second wheels (3) for moving the shuttle (1) along a second direction, wherein the shuttle (1) comprises a displacement device (4, 5, 6, 7) for upwardly and downwardly displacing the first wheels (2) during use of the shuttle (1), wherein the shuttle (1) comprises one or several support elements (13) for supporting pallets (23), wherein the one or several support elements (13) are upwardly and downwardly displaceable with respect to the frame (9) between a lowest position, in which the distance between the supporting surface and the frame (9) is minimal and the one or several support elements (13) rest on the frame (9), and a highest position, in which the distance between the supporting surface and the frame (9) is maximal, wherein the upward and downward displacement of the one or several support elements (13) is coupled to the upward and downward displacement of the first wheels (2).