Walking Machine Steering via Independent Lateral Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking machines for transporting heavy loads, such as oil rigs, face limitations including manual repositioning, complex rotational position detection and control, unreliable drive mechanisms, high ground pressures, and limited stroke, which hinder precise and efficient movement.
Innovation Solution
A walking machine system equipped with multiple lifting assemblies that can lift loads above the ground and move them via rollers or tracks, featuring independent longitudinal and lateral drive mechanisms, allowing for precise control and extended travel strokes without the need for rotational steering, thus enabling movement in multiple directions and improved positioning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rotational steering mechanisms are used to reposition the substructure, then the walking machine can be steered to a desired position, but the system becomes complicated with complex rotational position detection and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The steering function is segmented from the traditional rotational substructure repositioning. Instead of rotating the entire substructure, the system divides movement into independent longitudinal and lateral translation components, with each lifting assembly capable of independent lateral displacement relative to the common beam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from rotational steering (angular movement) to translational steering (linear movement in multiple dimensions). Each lifting assembly can laterally displace independently, enabling the walking machine to steer by differential translation rather than rotation, eliminating complex rotational position detection.
2Device complexity
If manual repositioning of the substructure is used, then the steering system is simpler, but the repositioning process becomes time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static manual repositioning to dynamic automated control. Each lifting assembly is equipped with independent lateral drive mechanisms that can be dynamically controlled to move laterally along the common beam, enabling automated and rapid repositioning without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical repositioning is replaced with automated drive mechanisms. The independent lateral drive mechanisms on each lifting assembly provide automated control, substituting manual operation with mechanical automation that increases repositioning speed and efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotational drive mechanisms are used for steering, then the walking machine can change direction, but the drive mechanisms become complicated and potentially unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into independent longitudinal and lateral drive mechanisms for each lifting assembly. This segmentation allows each drive mechanism to operate independently in its own direction, simplifying the mechanical design of each individual drive system while maintaining overall directional versatility through coordinated operation of multiple simple drives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces rotational drive (single angular degree of freedom) with translational drives operating in multiple linear dimensions. Each lifting assembly has independent lateral and longitudinal drive mechanisms that translate rather than rotate, simplifying the drive mechanism design while achieving directional control through differential translation.
4Device complexity
If traditional walking machine design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the ground pressure becomes excessively high limiting the stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The single large footprint of a traditional walking machine is segmented into multiple smaller footprints distributed along the common beam structure. By distributing the load across multiple lifting assemblies with separate foot contacts, the ground pressure at each contact point is reduced while maintaining structural simplicity through the shared beam framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distributes load support from a concentrated single-point contact to a distributed linear arrangement along the common beam. This spatial distribution across multiple lifting assemblies reduces ground pressure by spreading the total weight over a larger effective area, enabling extended stroke without excessive ground pressure.
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
The system allows for precise positioning of heavy loads with increased travel strokes and reduced reset times, enabling faster and more efficient transportation with reduced operational complexity and increased maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
these walking machines typically comprise a plurality of lifting assemblies that usually use hydraulic lift cylinders to lift the load above the supporting surface
Implementation Method 2
move the load relative to the supporting surface by transporting the load via rollers or tracks in the walking machines
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transporting heavy machinery, equipment or other heavy loads from one location to another, whereby the apparatus may be constructed as a walking machine including a plurality of lifting assemblies operative to lift the load above the supporting surface and then move the load relative to the supporting surface by transporting the load via rollers or tracks in the walking machines. In one example, the lifting assemblies are provided with separate longitudinal and lateral drive mechanisms independently operative for translating the load in either or both longitudinal and lateral directions.