Tricycle Transporter Fluid Suspension Self-Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving heavy loads in industrial facilities, such as cranes and heavy capacity fork lifts, face limitations in maneuverability and cost-effectiveness, especially for loads in the 30 to 50 ton range, which are not efficiently addressed by existing technologies like IP-SPMT and air bearings.
Innovation Solution
A tricycle transporter with a three-point fluid suspension system, including an on-center rotation fluid suspension axle assembly and solid elastomer tires, equipped with a machine logic controller for self-loading and omni-directional movement, allowing for precise load handling and surface adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If IP-SPMT is used to carry very heavy loads (over 40 tons), then load capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transporter is divided into three independent suspension points (front wheel assembly and two rear wheel assemblies), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to handle heavy loads through distributed support while maintaining simpler individual components compared to a monolithic IP-SPMT system.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid suspension system automatically equalizes load distribution across the three suspension points without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates to accommodate uneven surfaces and load variations, reducing the need for complex active control systems.
2Ease of operation
If air bearings are used for self-loading and omni-directional movement, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to surface conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic) suspension systems at each of the three suspension points to enable self-loading capability. The fluid pressure can be adjusted to lift the platform and accommodate loads, providing ease of operation similar to air bearings while maintaining mechanical contact with the ground through tires.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the transporter to adapt to various surface conditions while maintaining self-loading capability. The fluid suspension can compensate for uneven surfaces and adjust to different operational requirements.
3Force
If heavy capacity fork lifts and trailers are used, then load capacity is improved, but maneuverability and surface compliance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each wheel assembly is equipped with independent fluid suspension that can locally adapt to surface conditions. This allows the transporter to maintain heavy load capacity while improving maneuverability through localized compliance at each contact point with the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent fluid suspension at each wheel assembly allows dynamic adjustment to uneven surfaces and congested spaces, significantly improving maneuverability compared to rigid heavy capacity fork lifts and trailers while maintaining load capacity.
4Force
If solid or mechanically equalizing suspension is used in heavy capacity fork lifts, then load capacity is improved, but compliance with uneven surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solid or simple mechanical suspension with fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic) suspension at each of the three suspension points. This provides superior compliance with uneven surfaces while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads through the distributed three-point suspension system.
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 tricycle transporter provides superior suspension and self-loading capabilities on various surfaces, enhancing maneuverability and reducing costs, making it suitable for lighter yet still heavy load ranges, thereby addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure acting on each of the fluid pistons of each of the three axle suspension points to provide vertical lifting and lowering for the self-loading feature
Implementation Method 2
fluid pressure acting on each of the fluid pistons of each of the three axle suspension points to provide vertical lifting and lowering for the self-loading feature
Implementation Method 3
solid elastomer tires at each end axle beam at the rear that attaches to the underside of the tricycle transporter platform
Data Source
AI summary
A self-loading tricycle transporter directed to 10-50 ton load ranges having a three-point tricycle type configuration providing superior suspension in terms of natural load contact on any type of surface condition. The tricycle transporter includes a fluid lifting suspension at each of three points. One point utilizes an on-center rotation fluid suspension axle assembly working in conjunction with solid elastomer tires at each end axle beam at the rear that attaches to the underside of the tricycle transporter platform with heavy fluid cylinder at each end. Accordingly, the three suspension points have the capability of being able to lift and lower to accommodate self-loading.