Swivel Dolly Layout for Precise Heavy Load Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dollies for transporting heavy objects are cumbersome and lack versatility in handling objects of various sizes and geometries, and GPS technologies for positioning carriers have limited precision on short distances.
Innovation Solution
A dolly system with a frame, rolling elements, a swivel platform, and an actuator unit, controlled by an on-board controller, allowing omnidirectional movement and precise positioning of heavy loads, even on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technologies are used to control and detect the relative position between carriers, then the system can track position over long distances, but the precision is limited for short distances below 10 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into two segments: GPS is used for long-distance tracking while a local reference system (inertial measurement units and odometry) handles short-distance precision measurements. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate in its optimal performance range, resolving the contradiction between long-range coverage and short-range precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary reference system comprising inertial measurement units and odometry sensors is introduced to bridge the gap between GPS and the dolly system. This intermediary provides high-precision position and orientation data for short distances where GPS fails, while seamlessly integrating with GPS for longer distance tracking.
2Measurement precision
If the wheelbase is minimized and track width is maximized, then rotational resistance is reduced and positioning precision is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dolly system employs an asymmetric configuration with minimized wheelbase and maximized track width. This asymmetric geometry optimizes the moment of inertia and reduces rotational resistance, thereby improving positioning precision while maintaining structural efficiency through purposeful geometric optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from considering only linear dimensions to optimizing the spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions. By carefully configuring the wheelbase and track width in the horizontal plane and positioning sensors at specific vertical heights, the system achieves superior positioning precision without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
3Weight of moving object
If a group of carriers is used to transport heavy objects, then the load capacity increases, but the system becomes more cumbersome and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dolly carriers are merged into a coordinated system that operates as a unified unit. The carriers communicate and synchronize their movements through a central control system, allowing them to collectively handle heavy loads while maintaining operational simplicity through automated coordination rather than manual control of each individual carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The dolly system is designed with universal applicability to handle various types of heavy equipment and objects. The standardized interface and adaptive control system allow the same carrier configuration to transport different loads, maintaining versatility while scaling load capacity by simply adding or removing carriers from the group.
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 system enables efficient, precise, and versatile transport of heavy loads, maintaining load orientation and reducing friction and rotational resistance, while adapting to different ground conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rolling elements mounted on the frame for rotation about respective rotational axes generally parallel to the ground surface
Implementation Method 2
the swivel platform mounted on the frame for rotation about a platform axis via a bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A dolly has a frame; a plurality of rolling elements mounted on the frame for rotation about respective rotational axes generally parallel to the ground surface and defining a contact footprint of the dolly on the ground surface. The axes extend in a plane between a load contacting surface of the dolly and the ground surface at a distance between 30% and 50% of a height defined between the load contacting surface of the dolly and the ground surface. A swivel platform defines the load contacting surface extending at an elevation above the frame and mounted on the frame for rotation about a platform axis located within the contact footprint. An actuator unit is drivingly engaged to at least two rolling elements of the plurality of rolling elements, the at least two rolling elements disposed on opposite sides of the swivel platform. An on-board controller unit is operable to actuate the actuator unit.