Self-Propelled Support Frame With Foldable Monorail Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Machines of significant dimensions and weight are difficult to move within industrial establishments without complex and costly equipment, leading to challenges in maintenance, positioning, and cleaning, and existing self-propelled frames either lose alignment or require cumbersome fixed rail systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled support frame with a single linear guiding device for wheels that can be fixed to the ground and fold, using sensors and software logic for automatic movement along a rail, allowing easy alignment and space management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If machines are fixed in position inside industrial establishments, then stability and alignment with production line are maintained, but maintenance, manoeuvring and cleaning operations become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is equipped with its own propulsion system (motor-driven wheel) and guidance system (sensor means detecting metal plates on the rail), enabling it to move automatically along the monorail without requiring external cranes or complex positioning equipment. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by making maintenance and manoeuvring operations simple while avoiding complex external equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated commercial wheels are used for self-propelling frames, then 360° movement in any direction is enabled, but machine alignment with production line is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A monorail system acts as an intermediary between the support frame and the production line environment. The monorail provides a fixed reference path that guides the frame's movement, ensuring precise alignment is maintained while still allowing the frame to move to different positions. The sensor means detects metal plates fixed to the monorail, further ensuring precise positioning along the guided path.
3Reliability
If double-rails fixed to ground are used for support frames, then stable guidance is provided, but burdensome works on floor and operating inconveniences occur
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system is segmented into a first rail part fixed to the floor and a second rail part hinged to the first, allowing the second part to be rotated out of the way when not needed. This segmentation maintains stable guidance when the rail is in use while eliminating operating inconveniences by allowing the rail sections to be moved aside to clear pathways for operators and equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The monorail system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system where the second rail part can be rotated between a horizontal position (providing guidance) and a raised position (clearing the pathway). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing stable guidance only when needed while maintaining operating convenience at other times.
4Ease of operation
If machines are moved using forklifts or positioning equipment, then positioning is possible, but no manoeuvring or access space is available due to premises conformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the need for large mechanical positioning equipment like forklifts with a compact monorail system and a small robotic support frame equipped with sensors and a motor. This substitution enables positioning in tight spaces where traditional mechanical equipment cannot maneuver, resolving the contradiction by providing positioning capability without requiring significant manoeuvre space.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A self-propelled support frame (1) for a machine (2) for industrial processes, wherein to a lower part (3) of the frame (1) are fixed a first motor-driven wheel (4), a second freely rotatable wheel (5), which is aligned with the first motor-driven wheel (4) at a first side (6) of the frame (1), a third freely rotatable wheel (7) and a fourth freely rotatable wheel (8) that are arranged aligned at a second side (9) of the frame (1), opposite the first side (6), wherein the first motor-driven wheel (4) and the second freely rotatable wheel (5) are shaped so as to be able to slide on a rail (12) fixed to a floor of an environment in which the machine (2) is placed.