Travelling Vehicle Intersection Rollers Gap Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In suspension-type travelling vehicle systems, intersecting tracks are difficult to achieve due to the need for multiple branching/merging parts, leading to increased travel time and larger installation areas.
Innovation Solution
A system with intersection rollers and a travelling wheel configuration that allows the vehicle to smoothly traverse gaps where tracks cross, using rollers with inter-axial distances longer than the gap width to support the vehicle's weight, and a turn preventive mechanism to maintain stability and prevent curve-travelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branching/merging parts are used to achieve track intersections, then track intersection capability is improved, but travelling time increases and installation area expands
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into multiple rolling elements (travelling wheel and intersection rollers) that can independently contact the rail at different positions. This segmentation allows different parts of the vehicle to perform different functions simultaneously - the travelling wheel for normal travel and intersection rollers for navigating gaps, thereby resolving the contradiction between intersection capability and travel time
Solution Approach 2:
Intersection rollers serve as intermediary elements between the travelling wheel and the rail during gap traversal. These rollers temporarily contact the rail at positions spaced beyond the gap width, mediating the transition through the gap without requiring the main travelling wheel to lose contact, thus enabling smooth intersection traversal and reducing travel time loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple branching/merging parts are used to achieve track intersections, then track intersection capability is improved, but installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure is segmented with intersection rollers positioned at specific distances from the travelling wheel. This segmentation enables the vehicle to handle intersections directly at track crossing points without requiring extended branching/merging infrastructure, thereby reducing the installation area while maintaining intersection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a horizontal expansion of branching/merging parts to a vertical/direct crossing configuration. By spacing intersection rollers beyond the gap width, the vehicle can traverse perpendicular track intersections directly, eliminating the need for extended horizontal branching structures and reducing overall installation area
3Ease of operation
If intersection rollers are positioned to support the vehicle through gaps, then smooth travel through intersections is improved, but straight stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the vehicle have different functional qualities - the travelling wheel is optimized for continuous rail contact and straight stability, while intersection rollers are positioned and dimensioned specifically for gap traversal. The inter-axial distance between intersection rollers and travelling wheel is carefully designed to be longer than the gap width, ensuring intersection rollers contact the rail only in intersection zones, not during straight travel, thus maintaining straight stability while enabling smooth intersection passage
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 smooth travel through intersections, reduces travel time, and enhances straight stability while preventing curve-travelling and bogie vehicle turns, thereby optimizing track intersection design.
Implementation Method 1
the front and rear intersection rollers are supported by the rail during passage of the travelling wheel through the gap
Implementation Method 2
when the intersection roller is in contact with the rail in places other than the intersection, the straight stability of the travelling vehicle is enhanced, to prevent curve-travelling
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension-type travelling vehicle that travels through a gap in an intersection where tracks cross includes intersection rollers attached in front and rear of a travelling wheel along a travelling direction, and in positions different from a position of the travelling wheel along a direction orthogonal to the travelling direction within a horizontal plane. Inter-axial distances between the intersection rollers and the travelling wheel within the horizontal plane are both longer than a width of a gap along the travelling direction. The rail or the travelling vehicle is constructed such that the intersection rollers are supported by the rail in the intersection, and retreat from the rail in places other than the intersection. During passage of the travelling wheel through the gap, the weight of the travelling vehicle is supported by the intersection rollers by making both the front and rear intersection rollers contact the rail.