Variable Camber Transport Device for Tunnel Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles designed for tunnels with small diameters and steep slopes struggle to transition smoothly from flat ground to concave ground due to imprecise camber adjustment and high manufacturing costs, and are unable to handle materials with small radii of curvature and steep slopes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A variable-camber transport device with a longitudinal frame and two axles, each comprising a horizontal central beam with pivotable arms and wheel carriers, allowing wheels to adjust from a vertical to an inclined position under the vehicle's weight, using hydraulic motors for drive and articulating ends for optimal camber adaptation without external actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vehicles with fixed vertical wheels are used, then they can drive on flat ground outside the tunnel, but they cannot circulate on the concave ground inside the tunnel with small radius of curvature and steep slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the wheel axis movable rather than fixed. The wheel carrier is designed to pivot about a horizontal axis, allowing the wheel axis to dynamically adjust its inclination angle. This enables the wheels to adapt to varying ground conditions - vertical on flat ground and inclined on concave tunnel ground - without requiring complex external actuators for each wheel
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements self-service through the self-aligning mechanism where the wheel carrier automatically pivots to the correct inclination angle under the vehicle's weight when entering the tunnel. The offset axis design creates a natural tendency for the wheels to extend in a plane passing through the center of the circle coincident with the concavity, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicles with actuators for inclining wheels are used, then they can transition from flat ground to concave ground, but the manufacturing cost increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates expensive external actuators by designing a self-aligning wheel carrier system. The offset horizontal axis creates a mechanical advantage where the vehicle's own weight provides the necessary force to pivot the wheels to the correct inclination angle automatically, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining transition capability
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing static fixed-axis wheels with dynamic self-adjusting wheel carriers, the invention achieves adaptability through passive mechanical means rather than active actuated systems, reducing complexity and manufacturing cost
3Manufacturing precision
If vehicles with angle controllers and hydraulic pistons are used, then wheel inclination can be adjusted, but the camber variation is imprecise due to measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces imprecise electronic angle controllers and hydraulic pistons with a self-aligning mechanical system. The offset axis design creates a natural geometric relationship where the wheels automatically extend along the normal to the circle described by the tunnel, providing precise camber adjustment through passive mechanical alignment rather than active control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes complex electronic and hydraulic control systems with a purely mechanical self-aligning mechanism. The wheel carrier's offset horizontal axis design creates inherent mechanical guidance that ensures precise wheel inclination without requiring sensors, controllers, or hydraulic actuators
4Ease of manufacture
If vehicles with fixed wheel orientation are used, then the design is simple and inexpensive, but they cannot handle tunnels with small radii of curvature and steep slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains design simplicity by using a passive mechanical mechanism rather than complex active systems. The wheel carrier pivots freely about a horizontal axis, allowing automatic adaptation to tunnel geometries through the vehicle's own weight, achieving both simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetry through the offset horizontal axis design. The axis is positioned offset from the vehicle's centerline, creating an asymmetric mechanical advantage that naturally guides the wheels to the correct inclination angle for the specific tunnel geometry, enabling handling of small radii of curvature and steep slopes
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
Enables seamless transition between flat and concave ground without the need for external actuators, providing precise camber adjustment and stability, reducing manufacturing costs and allowing efficient transport of heavy loads through tunnels with small diameters and steep slopes.
Implementation Method 1
each axle comprises means capable of causing the wheels to pivot from a first vertical position when the wheels bear on flat ground to a second inclined position when the wheels bear on the concave ground of a tunnel or the like, and vice versa, under the effect of the weight of said vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device with variable camber for a tunnel that comprises at least one globally longitudinal frame (1) and two axles (4a, 4b), i.e. a front axle (4a) and a rear axle (4b), respectively carrying wheels (5). The device is characterised in that each axle (4a, 4b) includes a means capable of pivoting the wheels (5) from a first vertical position when the wheels (5) bear on a flat ground to a second inclined position when the wheels (5) bear on the concave ground of a tunnel or the like, said wheels (5) extending on the normal of the circle defined by the tunnel, and conversely, under the weight of said device.