Motorized Trailer Loading Module for Payload Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling devices for payloads on rolling platforms face challenges such as limited maneuverability due to four-wheeled trailers, difficulty in inserting and removing loaded trays, wheels participating in conveying movement, and asymmetrical access for loading and unloading, which complicates the trajectory and rigidity of the conveying train.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a trailer equipped with a motorized loading and unloading module featuring a symmetrical structure with access ramps on both sides, using flexible links and sensors for motorized movement, and a chassis with coaxial wheels to maintain platform positioning without ground contact during conveying, allowing for easier control and reduced load handling dependency on physical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the trailer has four wheels to support the platform, then the platform can be stably supported, but the conveying train cannot achieve single-track trajectory and maneuverability is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform support stabilityVSAvoidconveying train maneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The four wheels of the trailer are segmented into two functional groups: two steering wheels at the front that can rotate independently for directional control, and two fixed trailing wheels that maintain stability. This segmentation allows the trailer to achieve both maneuverability through the steering wheels and stability through the fixed wheels, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the platform is directly inserted into the chassis, then the structure is simple, but the loaded platform is difficult to insert and remove due to the importance of the load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading structure simplicityVSAvoidplatform insertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A motorized lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the platform and the chassis. This mechanism includes a motor-driven screw jack that vertically lifts the platform into the chassis and lowers it for removal. The intermediary device eliminates the need for manual lifting of heavy loads, making insertion and removal easy while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the platform wheels participate in conveying movement, then the platform can be supported during transport, but the trajectory becomes even more difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform support during conveyingVSAvoidtrajectory control
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform wheels are designed with dynamic functionality: they can be rotated to different orientations. During conveying, the wheels are oriented perpendicular to the direction of motion to prevent them from participating in conveying movement and interfering with trajectory control. When loading or unloading is needed, the wheels can be rotated to align with the movement direction. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between support stability and trajectory control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the frame only opens on one side to maintain rigidity, then structural strength is maintained, but access for loading and unloading is limited to one side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidloading and unloading access
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is segmented into two independent halves that can open independently on both sides of the trailer. Each side can be opened separately for loading or unloading operations while the other side remains closed to maintain structural rigidity. This segmentation allows multiple access points without compromising the overall frame strength, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1986883B1Handling device
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 INNOVEP
  • EP1986883B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1986883B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP1986883B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling device combining at least one trailer (100) that can be hitched to a tractor vehicle and/or to other trailers to form a carriage train and at least one bed (300) for bearing the load (C), notable in that the trailer (100) comprises running means (110) supporting a chassis (120) equipped with a module (200) for loading and unloading the bed (300) that bears the load (C) combining means for the motorized movement of the bed and means for positioning said bed (300) so that the bed (300) is no longer in contact with the ground and is held in position on the trailer (100).