Preloaded Transport Trolley Arm for Variable Rail Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems face challenges in achieving reliable cornering ability, high load-bearing capacity, and precise positioning while maintaining low noise levels, with a focus on cost-effective manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with a transport trolley featuring a base body and rollers supported by a solid-state joint with variable spacing, allowing the third roller to be elastically deformed to accommodate varying rail widths and tolerances, ensuring reliable contact and preventing slippage without additional movable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rail width varies in transition from straight to curved sections, then the system can handle complex routing, but the spacing between rollers becomes non-uniform causing instability and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm is designed to be movable relative to the base body, allowing the third roller's position to dynamically adjust as the trolley moves through transitions. This dynamic adaptation maintains stable contact with the rail surface despite varying rail width, preventing slippage while enabling complex routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameter of the third roller relative to the first and second rollers. By allowing the extension arm to move, the spacing between the third roller and the other rollers varies dynamically, adapting to rail width changes and maintaining reliable contact throughout the transport path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional movable parts are added to accommodate rail width variations, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm serves multiple functions: it positions the third roller, accommodates rail width variations, and maintains contact stability. This single component handles what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If the transport system uses complex optimization functions for rail course, then the positioning precision improves, but the manufacturing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension arm with the third roller automatically compensates for rail width variations and positioning deviations through its own movement. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external adjustment systems or precision manufacturing of the entire trolley assembly, reducing manufacturing and assembly complexity while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
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 achieves efficient cornering, high load capacity, and precise positioning with reduced wear and maintenance, maintaining stable contact and minimizing slippage, while being cost-effective and robust.
Implementation Method 1
The solid-state joint has a lower flexural rigidity than the base section and/or the end section at least in the transport direction. The lower flexural rigidity is such that the solid-state joint can be elastically deformed more easily in the transport direction than the base section and/or the end section.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport system for transporting objects, said transport system including a transport rail, which has at least a first running surface and a second running surface that are arranged disposed opposite one another. A transport trolley includes a base body that is coupled to an object carrier for an object to be transported. A first roller and a second roller are arranged at the base body and cooperate with the first running surface. A third roller is arranged at an extension arm that has a base section connected to the base body, and the third roller is arranged at an end section and wherein a solid-state joint has a lower flexural rigidity than the base section and/or the end section at least in a transport direction. The extension arm being arranged such that the third roller is pressed against the second running surface with a preload.