Vehicle Transport Units With Omni-Directional Rolling Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for transporting vehicles, such as cars, are limited by the need to engage the vehicle's internal propulsion engine, which can pose risks and restrict movement to straight paths or conveyor belts.

Innovation Solution

A remotely controlled transportation arrangement comprising four transportation units, each with a housing, movable arms, rolling elements, and a power source, allowing for versatile movement in any horizontal direction without engaging the vehicle's internal engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conveyor belts are used for transportation, then straight path transportation is achieved, but movement direction is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement directionVSAvoidtransportation system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transportation system is divided into multiple independent transportation units (at least two), each capable of autonomous movement and control. Each unit has its own rolling elements and power source, allowing independent navigation to achieve versatile transportation without requiring complex conveyor belt structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical conveyor belt system with a remotely controlled transportation unit that uses rolling elements (wheels) and electronic control. This substitution enables movement in any horizontal direction through remote control, eliminating the directional constraints of conveyor belts while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If vehicle's internal propulsion engine is engaged, then vehicle can move autonomously, but fire risk increases due to fuel presence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire risk reductionVSAvoidvehicle maneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the propulsion function from the vehicle's internal engine by introducing an external power source that drives rolling elements. The vehicle's engine is not engaged during transportation, eliminating fire risk associated with fuel presence while the vehicle remains under external control for maneuvering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transportation unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle. It provides the propulsion force through external rolling elements while allowing remote control of the vehicle's movement, thereby eliminating the need to engage the vehicle's internal engine and reducing fire risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If transportation units use fixed rolling direction, then structural simplicity is maintained, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidrolling element control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling elements are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing changes in rolling direction during movement. Each transportation unit can adjust the direction of its rolling elements under remote control, enabling precise positioning and versatile navigation without requiring overly complex fixed-direction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise and versatile transportation of vehicles without engaging their internal propulsion engines, reducing risks and allowing for movement in any direction, including positioning in tight spaces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one rolling element arranged at a lower portion of the housing, and a power source connected to the rolling elements and the movable arms, where the rolling element are configured to roll in any horizontal direction on the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3766748B1Transportation arrangement for transportation of an object on a surface
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 WHEEL ME AS
  • EP3766748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3766748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3766748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transportation arrangement for transportation of an object on a surface comprises at least one transportation unit (10). The transportation unit comprises a housing (11) comprising a vertical front surface, two arms movably connected to the housing at each side of the vertical front surface, at least one rolling element (12) arranged at a lower portion of the housing, and a power source connected to the rolling elements and the movable arms. The rolling element are configured to roll in any horizontal direction on the surface.