Transport Trolley Braking Mechanism for Airfield Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport trolleys with braking devices require significant design effort and cost due to complex mechanisms, failing to provide immediate and reliable blocking of movement, especially on inclined planes and in stringent airfield environments.
Innovation Solution
A simplified braking system where a pivotably mounted tension bracket controls a bearing frame with standard, cost-effective components, using vertically adjustable screws to directly contact castors and achieve immediate blocking upon release, ensuring quick and reliable braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex braking mechanisms are used to achieve reliable blocking, then braking reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the braking function from a complex mechanical system and implements it through a simple, separate mechanism: a brake shoe that can be manually pressed against the caster wheel. This separates the braking function from the caster assembly, achieving reliable braking without complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is designed to be self-contained and manually operated without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The operator directly applies the brake shoe to the wheel, creating a simple self-service braking system that is both reliable and low-complexity.
2Reliability
If complex braking mechanisms are used to achieve reliable blocking, then braking reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe and associated components are designed as simple, inexpensive parts that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than using expensive, complex mechanical systems, the patent employs basic friction-based braking components that are cost-effective and simple to produce.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the braking function into a simple, standalone mechanism rather than integrating it into a complex system, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining braking reliability. The brake shoe can be manufactured independently as a simple component.
3Device complexity
If simple braking mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but braking speed and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake shoe is positioned in readiness near the caster wheel, allowing immediate application of braking force when needed. This preliminary positioning enables rapid braking response without requiring complex activation mechanisms or adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system is segmented into simple, discrete components (brake shoe, mounting bracket, adjustment mechanism) that can be independently optimized for fast response. This segmentation allows the simple overall design to achieve rapid braking through focused, localized action at the brake-wheel interface.
4Reliability
If adjustable brake elements are added to optimize braking performance, then braking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake system incorporates simple adjustability features that allow the brake shoe position and pressure to be optimized for different operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability improves braking reliability across various scenarios while maintaining overall system simplicity through straightforward mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution enables immediate blocking of the transport trolley's movement, meeting stringent airfield safety requirements with a cost-effective and efficient design that outperforms prior art in braking speed and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
brake elements are arranged on the platform structure which, in the locking position of the brake device, contact the running surface of the respective lockable casters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A transport trolley is presented, with a platform structure, on the lower side of which that faces the ground a plurality of castors are accommodated rotatably in bearing brackets, wherein at least two castors can be blocked by a braking device, which can be activated by means of a manually actuated pulling bar for moving the transport trolley, in such a manner that lowering of the pulling bar in the direction of the ground cancels the blocking position of the braking device, in which transport trolley, according to the invention, the pulling bar is mounted pivotably on the platform structure in two rotary bearings and is fixedly connected to a platform frame on which the two blockable castors are secured in the respective bearing brackets, wherein the bearing brackets are guided in a vertically displaceable manner in receptacles on the platform-structure side by means of guide pins, and braking elements are arranged on the platform structure, said braking elements making contact with the running surface of the respectively blockable castors in the blocking position of the braking device.