Tugger Train Trailer Electromechanical Locking for Cargo Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tugger train trailer locking mechanisms are inefficient, complex, and user-unfriendly, requiring additional manual effort for unlocking and locking, occupying significant space, and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical locking system with a spring-loaded locking pawl and electric drive device that automatically unlocks and locks the cargo carrier, allowing for easy operation and reliable securing without additional manual force, using a swiveling axis and torsion spring for space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If purely mechanically actuated locking means are used, then the locking function is achieved, but additional manual thrust must be applied to the cargo carrier to actuate the locking means into the unlocked position, adversely affecting ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical actuation system with an electromechanical system. An electric drive device (motor) is introduced to automatically actuate the locking means into the unlocked position when a cargo carrier is pushed onto the tugger train trailer, eliminating the need for additional manual thrust while maintaining the mechanical locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is designed to automatically actuate itself into the unlocked position through the electric drive device when a cargo carrier is pushed onto the trailer. The system serves itself by using the pushing action of the cargo carrier to trigger the electric drive, which then automatically actuates the locking means without requiring separate manual intervention.
2Productivity
If purely electrically actuated locking means are used, then automated locking is achieved, but two separate work steps are required: holding the cargo carrier in the correct position and simultaneously performing the locking, resulting in inefficient processes
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive device is pre-positioned and ready to actuate the locking means automatically. When a cargo carrier is pushed onto the tugger train trailer, the system is already prepared to perform the locking action without requiring the operator to manually hold the cargo carrier in position or perform separate locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an electromechanical system where the electric drive device automatically performs the locking action after the cargo carrier is pushed onto the trailer. This eliminates the need for manual holding and simultaneous locking operations, streamlining the process into a single pushing action followed by automatic locking.
3Loss of time
If purely electrically actuated locking means are used, then automated locking is achieved, but the time required for locking is added to the time required to slide the cargo carrier into the tugger train trailer, resulting in longer process times
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive device is pre-positioned and ready to actuate the locking means automatically. When a cargo carrier is pushed onto the tugger train trailer, the system is already prepared to perform the locking action without requiring the operator to manually hold the cargo carrier in position or perform separate locking steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking process continues seamlessly after the cargo carrier is pushed onto the trailer. The electric drive device automatically actuates the locking means without interrupting or extending the overall process time, as the locking action occurs continuously and automatically rather than as a separate discrete step.
4Reliability
If complex locking means with many components are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the locking means occupy a lot of space in the tugger train trailer and are prone to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the locking system. By using an electric drive device to automatically actuate the locking means, the system removes the need for complex mechanical linkages, multiple actuators, and additional control mechanisms, resulting in a simpler, more reliable design with fewer potential failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with a simpler electromechanical system. The electric drive device provides reliable automated actuation without requiring the complex mechanical linkages and multiple components that characterize traditional mechanical locking systems, thereby improving reliability while reducing complexity.
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 provides efficient, user-friendly, and reliable locking and unlocking processes, reducing operational time and preventing malfunctions, while ensuring secure cargo retention with minimal components and space usage.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is actuated by a spring device toward the locked position
Implementation Method 2
the spring device is a torsion spring, in particular a helical spring, located on the shaft
Implementation Method 3
the locking element is actuated into the unlocked position by means of an electric drive device
Data Source
AI summary
A tugger train trailer (1) with a chassis (2) and a transport device (7) is disclosed and configured to hold at least one cargo carrier (LT) having rollers (R), wherein the tugger train trailer (1) is provided with at least one locking means (20) that secure the received cargo carrier (LT) in the transverse direction (Q) of the vehicle of the tugger train trailer (1). The locking means (20) has a locking element (21a; 21b) that can be electro-mechanically actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locking element (21a; 21b) is actuated by a spring device (30) toward the locked position and by means of an electric drive device into the unlocked position.