Variable Track Width Transport Vehicle for Compact Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicles are not compact and lack flexibility in handling loads with varying longitudinal and transverse directions, making them inefficient for diverse loading scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A transport vehicle with a base and wheels, where at least two wheels have variable track widths and wheelbases, allowing for adaptable movement in transverse, longitudinal, and diagonal directions, enabling the vehicle to position loads between wheels efficiently and compactly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transport vehicle uses fixed track width and wheelbase, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adapt to loads with varying longitudinal and transverse directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the track width and wheelbase variable rather than fixed. The transport vehicle can dynamically adjust its geometric parameters to match the dimensions and orientation of different loads, enabling adaptation to varying load directions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated or manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If the transport vehicle has fixed dimensions, then the manufacturing is simple, but the vehicle is not compact and cannot operate in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle achieves compactness through dynamic adjustment of its track width and wheelbase. By allowing these dimensions to vary, the vehicle can reduce its overall footprint when not carrying large loads and expand when needed, enabling operation in tight spaces while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the transport vehicle uses variable track width and wheelbase, then the vehicle is flexible and compact, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the track width and wheelbase to be adjusted based on operational requirements. This enables the vehicle to optimize its geometry for different loading scenarios, improving ease of operation while the control system complexity is managed through standardized adjustment mechanisms and clear parameter definition.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport vehicle includes a base, wheels connected to the base, and load receiving elements. At least two of the wheels have a track width therebetween in each of a transverse drive and in a longitudinal drive. The track width in the longitudinal drive and the track width in the transverse drive are each variable. The transport vehicle is transports a load having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction between the wheels. The transport vehicle is drivable both in the transverse drive and in the longitudinal drive.