Vehicle-Powered Passive Motion Device for Tight-Space Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for moving vehicles between stations, such as in vehicle assembly plants, require external power sources, which can limit space efficiency and increase power usage, especially when the turning radius of the vehicle becomes a constraint.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-powered system that utilizes passive motion devices actuated by the vehicle's own wheels, including mechanical actuators like roller belts and scissor lifts, to change the vehicle's position without external power, allowing for rotation, lifting, tilting, and translation within tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a moving conveyor-type system is used to transport vehicles between stations, then vehicles can be moved to different stations, but external power is required which increases power consumption and reduces space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's own wheels are used to actuate the passive motion device through the mechanical actuator, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for external power sources. The vehicle serves itself by converting its wheel movement into positional changes on the platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the external power-driven conveyor system with a passive mechanical system that uses the vehicle's wheel movement to drive the motion device through mechanical actuators, eliminating the need for external motors and power transmission systems.
2Area of stationary object
If the turning radius of the vehicle is reduced to improve maneuverability, then space efficiency improves, but the vehicle's ability to position itself becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to dynamically change its configuration through the passive motion device, allowing it to adapt to different vehicle sizes and positioning requirements. The mechanical actuator system enables the platform to adjust its geometry based on the vehicle's wheel movement, maintaining versatility in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical movement through the scissor lift mechanism, adding a third dimension to the vehicle positioning system. This allows vehicles to be lifted and positioned vertically, overcoming the limitations of horizontal turning radius constraints.
3Area of stationary object
If a passive motion device actuated by vehicle wheels is used, then external power is eliminated improving space efficiency, but the system complexity increases with mechanical actuators and interlocks
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuator system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the drive mechanism for the passive motion device and the positioning mechanism for the vehicle. The same wheel-driven rollers that detect vehicle presence also drive the belts that actuate the scissor lift, eliminating the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical actuator with rollers and belts serves as an intermediary between the vehicle's wheel movement and the passive motion device. This intermediary mechanism translates the vehicle's natural wheel rotation into controlled platform adjustments without requiring complex electronic sensors or control systems.
4Reliability
If interlocks are added to restrain the vehicle during position changes, then safety improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocks are designed to automatically engage before the vehicle position change begins and disengage afterward. The mechanical actuator system inherently sequences the operations, with interlocks activating in advance to secure the vehicle, eliminating the need for complex control logic or electronic monitoring systems.
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
This solution enhances space efficiency and reduces power consumption by enabling vehicles to move and position themselves within smaller areas, improving ergonomic positioning and maneuverability without the need for external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
one or more pairs of rollers on the first side of the platform to be rotated based on rotation of corresponding one or more wheels of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a platform to support a vehicle on a first side of the platform and a passive motion device arranged on a second side of the platform, opposite the first side, to move upon actuation. A mechanical actuator actuates the passive motion device based on movement of one or more wheels of the vehicle to change a position of the vehicle. The position of the vehicle relative to the platform is unchanged and the passive motion device is actuated by only the movement of the one or more wheels of the vehicle to change the position of the vehicle.