Track Switch Wheel Layout for Low-Vibration Traveling Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing traveling vehicle systems experience vibrations and noise due to simultaneous passage of wheels through gaps, as the left and right wheels pass through gaps at the same time, increasing the magnitude of vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A traveling vehicle system with a track and vehicle configuration where the wheels are displaced in the traveling direction, allowing them to pass through gaps at different timings, and a direction changer to switch directions by turning wheels around orthogonal axes, forming a symmetric quadrilateral in a plan view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional motor vehicle is used for transporting goods, then the goods can be transported, but the vehicle cannot adapt to different terrains and conditions without requiring multiple specialized vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs dynamically adjustable suspension systems that can adapt the chassis height and wheel positioning in real-time based on terrain conditions. The suspension can transition between different configurations (e.g., extended for rough terrain, retracted for smooth surfaces) allowing a single vehicle to handle diverse terrains without requiring multiple specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor vehicle is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions: it can transport goods on flat surfaces, navigate rough terrains, operate on water surfaces via water-skimming wheels, and adapt to various loading conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized vehicles for different terrains and purposes.
2Strength
If the vehicle body is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but the vehicle cannot adapt its shape to different loading conditions and terrains
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is divided into modular sections with adjustable rigidity. Different portions of the body can be independently reinforced or softened based on loading conditions. For example, the cargo area can be reinforced when carrying heavy loads, while other sections remain flexible for terrain adaptation. This segmentation allows the body to maintain strength when needed while adapting its shape for different purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body incorporates dynamically adjustable structural elements that can change their rigidity and configuration in real-time. The body can transition between rigid and flexible states depending on whether it is carrying heavy loads or navigating rough terrain, allowing it to maintain strength when required while adapting its shape for different conditions.
3Speed
If the vehicle is designed for high speed on flat surfaces, then speed is improved, but the vehicle becomes unstable and inefficient on rough or uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs dynamically adjustable suspension systems that can adapt the chassis height and wheel positioning in real-time based on terrain conditions. The suspension can transition between different configurations (e.g., extended for rough terrain, retracted for smooth surfaces) allowing a single vehicle to handle diverse terrains without requiring multiple specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle can change key operational parameters such as suspension stiffness, wheel diameter, and chassis height based on detected terrain conditions. When entering rough terrain, the system automatically adjusts these parameters to optimize stability and traction, while maintaining high-speed capability on flat surfaces through optimized aerodynamic and mechanical configurations.
4Reliability
If specialized vehicles are used for different terrains (e.g., trucks for rough terrain, cars for flat surfaces), then adaptability to specific conditions is improved, but the overall fleet complexity and resource utilization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The motor vehicle is designed with universal capabilities to perform multiple functions: it can transport goods on flat surfaces, navigate rough terrains, operate on water surfaces via water-skimming wheels, and adapt to various loading conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized vehicles for different terrains and purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple specialized vehicles (trucks for rough terrain, cars for flat surfaces, water vehicles) into a single versatile motor vehicle platform. By combining these capabilities into one vehicle type, the system reduces fleet complexity while maintaining the terrain-specific performance advantages of previously separate specialized vehicles.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide a traveling vehicle system capable of suppressing vibrations to a traveling vehicle. [Means to Solve Problem] A traveling vehicle system may include a track and a traveling vehicle. The track may include a plurality of first tracks, a plurality of second tracks, and a partial track which is provided at a portion where first and second extension lines intersect. The traveling vehicle may include a traveler which travels on an upper side of the track, a main body which is positioned below the track, and a coupler which couples the traveler and the main body. A gap through which the coupler passes when the traveling vehicle travels may be formed between the first track and the partial track, and between the second track and the partial track. The traveler may include four wheels which travel on the track, and a direction changer which changes a traveling direction of the traveling vehicle between a first direction and a second direction by turning the four wheels respectively around four turning axes which are orthogonal to respective axles of the wheels. In a plan view, none of sides of a quadrilateral formed with the four turning axes serving as vertices thereof is parallel to the first track or the second track.