Walking Machine Steering Mechanism for Heavy Load Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking machines used for transporting heavy loads, such as oil rigs, face limitations in steering mechanisms, including manual repositioning, complex rotational position detection, and unreliable rotational drive mechanisms, which hinder precise positioning and efficient movement.
Innovation Solution
A walking machine system equipped with a steering mechanism that includes a control system and steering linkage, allowing the lifting assembly's lower structure to be rotated relative to its upper structure, enabling the machine to be steered to a desired angle for precise movement, using a combination of hydraulic actuators, linear sensors, and multi-linkage systems for automatic or semi-automatic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual repositioning is used for steering, then the steering mechanism is simple, but positioning precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect the current position and control mechanisms to automatically adjust the walking machine's orientation. This substitution eliminates manual intervention while achieving precise positioning, resolving the contradiction between positioning precision and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the walking machine's position and orientation, and the control system adjusts the steering mechanism based on this feedback to achieve the desired position. This closed-loop feedback enables precise positioning without requiring overly complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If complex rotational position detection and control systems are used, then positioning precision improves, but system reliability and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors and control mechanisms that serve multiple functions: detecting position, determining orientation, and guiding the steering adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically detects its own position and makes self-correcting adjustments without external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of external control systems and improves overall system reliability by eliminating potential failure points in manual or externally-controlled mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complicated rotational drive mechanisms are used, then steering capability improves, but ease of operation and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complicated mechanical rotational drive mechanisms with an automated control system that electronically manages the steering actuators. This substitution maintains full steering capability while dramatically simplifying operation, as the system automatically calculates and executes the required steering adjustments based on sensor input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously adapts the steering mechanism's operation based on real-time position and orientation data. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve complex steering maneuvers through simple operator commands, as the control system automatically adjusts the drive mechanisms in real-time.
4Productivity
If automated control systems with sensors are used, then positioning efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control system and sensors to perform multiple functions simultaneously: position detection, orientation determination, steering control, and coordination of multiple walking machines. This multi-functionality improves positioning efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single integrated system handles all these tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control systems of multiple walking machines into a coordinated network that operates as a unified system. By merging the control functions and sharing sensor data across machines, the system achieves high positioning efficiency while managing complexity through integration rather than through numerous separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for transporting heavy machinery, equipment or other heavy load from one location to another, whereby the apparatus is constructed to steer the load in order to move the load in a desired path to a set position, one embodiment directed to a walking machine including a plurality of lifting assemblies operative to lift the load above the supporting surface and then move or rotate the load relative to the supporting surface by transporting the load via rollers or tracks in the walking machines, the lifting assembly including a steering mechanism using an actuator operative for rotating, via a multi-linkage assembly, whereby the lifting assembly lower structure is rotated relative to the lifting assembly structure to set the walking machine at a desired angle so that lifting assemblies may be driven in a desired walking direction.