Transport Chassis Auto-Alignment for Hidden Load Maneuvers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transporting heavy loads over non-linear paths requires complex manual alignment of transport trolleys, which is cumbersome and prone to errors when the trolleys are hidden under the load.

Innovation Solution

A method where a second transport chassis automatically aligns itself relative to a first chassis during driving maneuvers, allowing for seamless transitions without lifting the load, using wireless communication and feedback mechanisms for alignment confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual alignment of transport trolleys is used during driving maneuvers, then the trolleys can be positioned, but the process becomes very complex and error-prone when trolleys are hidden under the load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidalignment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport trolleys are equipped with sensors and communication devices that enable them to automatically determine their positions and orientations, and to autonomously align themselves with each other during driving maneuvers without requiring manual intervention or complex external alignment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment system uses sensors on the trolleys to continuously monitor their positions and orientations, transmits this data wirelessly to a control system, and automatically adjusts the trolley configurations based on feedback signals to achieve precise alignment during transitions between driving maneuvers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the load is jacked up to position the transport trolleys, then the trolleys become visible for alignment, but this adds complexity to the positioning process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrolley positioning easeVSAvoidpositioning process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical jack-up system with an electronic sensing and control system that uses sensors, wireless communication, and automated control algorithms to position and align trolleys while the load remains on the ground, eliminating the need for mechanical lifting equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If transport trolleys are positioned manually when hidden under the load, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is very complex and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trolleys autonomously perform alignment operations using onboard sensors and control systems, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement and adjustment procedures while maintaining high alignment precision through automated feedback control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment process occurs continuously during the driving maneuver transitions without interrupting the overall transport operation, allowing trolleys to automatically adjust their positions while moving rather than requiring separate stationary alignment steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4617811A1Transporting a load
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 HTS HYDRAULISCHE TRANSPORTSYST
  • EP4617811A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4617811A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4617811A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to the transport of a load with a transport system comprising a first driven transport chassis and a second driven transport chassis, wherein in a first driving maneuver the second transport chassis follows the first transport chassis, wherein after completion of the first driving maneuver and switching to a second driving maneuver an alignment of the second transport chassis takes place, wherein after the alignment the load is transported with the transport system in the second driving maneuver, wherein in the second driving maneuver the second transport chassis follows the first transport chassis, wherein expediently at least one of the, preferably both, transport chassis can be freely positioned under the load.