Wheeled Logistics Module Towing Slot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rolling logistics modules lack cost-effective and user-friendly solutions for establishing a reliable tow link between transport devices, which is essential for efficient transportation of goods.
Innovation Solution
A rolling logistics module with a base, rollers, and a hitching device featuring a longitudinally oriented slot to accommodate a coupling member from another module, enabling a sliding or longitudinally immobile towing connection, allowing one module to tow another.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding arrangement is used to extend the drawbar between towing and storage positions, then the towing connection can be established and stored, but the device complexity increases and the risk of operator injury from the extended drawbar remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex sliding arrangement from the towing device. Instead of extending and retracting the drawbar mechanically, the drawbar is kept fixed in position throughout operation. The towing connection is established by having another transport device's drawbar engage with a coupling member on this fixed drawbar, eliminating the need for complex extension/retraction mechanisms while maintaining towing functionality.
2Device complexity
If the drawbar is fixed to the transport device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to establish a reliable towing connection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling member as an intermediary element between the fixed drawbar and the towing connection. This coupling member can be engaged by another transport device's drawbar to establish a reliable towing connection. The coupling member acts as a mediator that enables secure connection without requiring the main drawbar to be movable or complex, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability.
3Reliability
If a coupling member is added to the fixed drawbar, then the towing connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a structural component of the drawbar assembly and as the engagement interface for towing connections. By integrating these functions into a single element, the patent avoids adding separate complex mechanisms while still achieving reliable towing connections. The coupling member's design allows it to fulfill both structural and connection-making roles efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheeled logistical module (100) comprises a base (101) having an upper face suitable for supporting goods to be transported. A set of wheels (102-105) is arranged on a lower face of the base (101). A towing device (108) is arranged on the lower face of the base (101). The towing device (108) comprises a slot (109) oriented longitudinally relative to the base (101). The slot (109) is suitable for slidingly receiving a towing part projecting from a coupling bar of another wheeled logistical module in order to establish a sliding towing connection between the two wheeled logistical modules, by means of which connection the wheeled logistical module (100) is suitable for towing the other wheeled logistical module.