Variable Geometry Support Platform for Multi-Modal Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load transport systems require multiple components and handling steps to secure loads for different transportation means, leading to increased costs, time, and risk of damage, especially when transitioning between maritime, land, and air transport.
Innovation Solution
A supporting platform with a variable geometry frame that adjusts to fit different transporting means, allowing secure anchoring without the need to reposition the load, featuring telescopic elements, adjustable fixing means, and compatibility with various standards like ISO and NATO, enabling seamless transition between transport modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are provided to adapt to different transporting means, then compatibility with various transport standards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with a universal anchoring system that can interface with multiple transport standards (ISO 830 for maritime/land transport and NATO 463L for air transport) using the same structural components. The frame includes integrated anchoring elements that automatically adapt to different rail configurations through rotational movement, eliminating the need for separate component sets for each transport mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable anchoring components that can pivot to align with different rail orientations, and telescopic frame sections that can extend or retract to match various platform dimensions. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical components to serve multiple transport standards without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load is moved between platforms of different transporting means, then adaptability to different transport modes is improved, but handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is pre-configured with a universal anchoring system that is ready to interface with any transport mode without requiring preliminary disassembly or reconfiguration. The anchoring elements are positioned and oriented in advance to automatically engage with the appropriate rails whether ISO or NATO standards, eliminating time-consuming setup procedures during mode transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic anchoring system allows for rapid adaptation to different transport modes through simple rotational movements of the anchoring components. The frame can quickly transition between configurations by rotating the anchoring elements to align with the appropriate rail orientation, reducing the time required for mode changes from hours to minutes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the load is moved between platforms of different transporting means, then compatibility with various transport standards is improved, but transport costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform employs a universal anchoring system that eliminates the need for multiple specialized component sets for different transport modes. By using the same frame and anchoring components for both ISO and NATO standards, the system reduces equipment inventory requirements and eliminates the costs associated with maintaining, storing, and transporting separate component sets for each transport mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple transport-specific platforms into a single unified platform design. The frame structure integrates both ISO and NATO anchoring capabilities in one construction, allowing the load to remain on the same platform throughout multi-modal transport journeys, thereby eliminating the costs and risks associated with transferring loads between different specialized platforms.
4Reliability
If stabilization ropes and tie rods are used to constrain the load, then security during transport is improved, but the risk of damage increases when the load structure does not allow proper constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is designed with asymmetric anchoring points and directional anchoring elements that can be oriented to match the specific geometry of the load being transported. Rather than forcing a uniform constraint approach, the system allows the anchoring points to be positioned and oriented according to the load's structural characteristics, providing secure constraint without creating damaging stress concentrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system provides localized constraint forces at specific points on the load structure, rather than applying distributed forces through ropes and tie rods. Each anchoring element can be independently positioned to match the load's structural features, concentrating the restraining force where the load can best withstand it, thereby maintaining security while minimizing damage risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a support platform (1000; 2000) for supporting an apparatus to be transported on an air and/or surface transport vehicle, comprising a variable geometry frame (T) with a main body (500) and a first and a second expanding portion (600, 600') of the main body (500), wherein each expanding portion (600,600') is slidably connected to the main body (500) so as to make the frame (T) assume a compact / extended configuration, according to a distance of each of the expanding portions (600, 600 ') from the main body (500). The platform (1000; 2000) further comprises adjustable fixing means (10, 12) positioned at each of said expanding portions (600, 600'), said fixing means being configured or configurable to allow, in use, a fixing of said support platform (1000; 2000) to an air and/or surface transport means equipped with a relative striker for the fixing means (10, 12), in each compact and/or extended geometric configuration of the frame (T).