Single Bridge Rail Load Maneuvering System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load maneuvering systems combining overhead cranes and manipulators are heavy, expensive, and energy-intensive due to the use of dual bridge rails and complex structures.

Innovation Solution

A load maneuvering system featuring a single enclosed bridge rail with a carriage and manipulator, which reduces weight, energy consumption, and manufacturing costs by simplifying the assembly and using a single bridge rail to support moments in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual bridge rail system is used to support moments in multiple directions, then the system can handle loads with moments in various directions, but the system becomes heavier and more expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle moments in multiple directionsVSAvoidweight of bridge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate bridge rails into a single integrated bridge rail structure. This single rail is designed to support the carriage and resist moments in multiple directions (about the bridge axis and runway axis) through its geometry and the arrangement of bridge wheels, eliminating the need for dual rails and reducing overall system weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single bridge rail is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs multiple functions: supporting the carriage weight, resisting moments about the bridge axis, and resisting moments about the runway axis. This universal design allows one component to replace what traditionally required multiple components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a dual bridge rail system with complex structure is used, then the system can provide stable support, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of bridge supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the functions of two bridge rails into one, the patent reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained. This simplification reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while the single rail is designed with appropriate geometry to maintain structural stability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a heavy bridge structure is used, then the system can support loads with moments, but more power is required for movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebridge load support capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption for bridge movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The consolidation of two bridge rails into one reduces the total mass of the bridge structure. Since the single rail is designed to efficiently resist moments through its geometry and the strategic placement of bridge wheels, it maintains the necessary strength and stability while reducing the weight that motors must move, thereby lowering power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Weight of stationary object

If a single bridge rail is used to reduce weight, then the system requires less power for movement, but the ability to resist moments in multiple directions must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of bridge structureVSAvoidmoment resistance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The single bridge rail is designed with non-uniform geometry and strategic features at different locations along its length. The rail incorporates varying cross-sections, thicknesses, and reinforcement zones that provide enhanced moment resistance capability exactly where needed, allowing the structure to be lightweight overall while maintaining sufficient strength locally to handle moments in multiple directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8677905B2Single-bridge manipulator maneuvering system

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 GIVENS RAY

AI summary

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a load maneuvering system that includes a pair of runway rails, a bridge that is movable on the runway rails and that includes a single bridge rail, a carriage that is movable on the single bridge rail, and a manipulator supported by the carriage. The bridge rail is configured to support the assembly of the carriage and manipulator when a load is carried by the manipulator and a resultant moment is imposed on the bridge rail. The moment may be imposed in a direction about the bridge axis, in a direction about the runway axis, or a combination of the two. By providing a single bridge rail with an enclosed member as part of (or the entirety of) the bridge rail, the overall system is lighter and requires less power for movement of the bridge on the runway rails, and requires less power to move the carriage on the bridge. Additionally, the assembly is simplified relative to some load maneuvering systems of the prior art thereby making it less expensive to manufacture.