Autonomous Work Vehicle Accommodation Device with Integrated Charging and Fire Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous work vehicles lack a reliable method for smooth transportation to multiple work sites, especially when owned by contractor firms, and do not account for battery charging or fire safety during transport.

Innovation Solution

An accommodation device with multiple cases mounted on a transporter vehicle, featuring a supporting section, actuator, electric generator, detection section for battery power, power storage, temperature sensor, gas cylinder, and valve control for fire extinguishing, and air blowing or arm collection mechanisms to facilitate smooth transport and autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple work vehicles are transported to multiple work sites, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the number of attendants required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of attendants
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accommodation device enables self-service operation through automated functions: the actuator automatically moves accommodation cases along the path, the detection section monitors battery power levels, and the power storage section charges batteries automatically. This eliminates the need for multiple attendants to manually handle work vehicles during transportation and preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions before work vehicles are needed at the destination: batteries are charged in advance by the power storage section using the electric generator, and work vehicles are positioned in accommodation cases beforehand. This preparation during transportation eliminates the need for manual intervention at the destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If work vehicles are transported without battery charging capability, then transportation is simpler, but work operations are interrupted due to battery depletion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework operation continuityVSAvoidbattery charging system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery charging function is merged with the transportation system. The power storage section and electric generator are integrated into the accommodation device, allowing batteries to be charged automatically during the transportation process without requiring separate charging infrastructure at work sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging action continues throughout the transportation process. The detection section continuously monitors battery power levels, and the power storage section automatically charges batteries when power levels are insufficient, ensuring work vehicles are always ready for operation upon arrival at any destination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If fire safety measures are not implemented, then the device is simpler, but fire damage can occur during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire safetyVSAvoidfire extinguishing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Fire safety measures are prepared in advance: the gas cylinder is pre-filled with fire extinguishing gas, and the temperature sensor is positioned to detect rising temperatures before fire occurs. When the temperature sensor detects excessive heat, the valve control section automatically opens the valve to release extinguishing gas, preventing fire damage without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Quantity of substance

If multiple accommodation cases are used to transport multiple work vehicles, then transportation capacity is improved, but the supporting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportation capacityVSAvoidsupporting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transportation system is segmented into multiple independent accommodation cases, each capable of holding one work vehicle. The supporting section provides structured support for each case along a defined path, allowing the system to scale capacity by adding cases without fundamentally redesigning the entire support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient transportation of multiple work vehicles to different sites with reduced attendants, automatic battery charging, and fire prevention, allowing for uninterrupted work operations while reducing component costs and user intervention.

Implementation Method 1

an electric generator for supplying electric power to the actuator 23

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a detection section for detecting a stored power amount of the battery mounted on the work vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

a power storage section for charging electric power to the battery to be stored therein by using electric power from the electric generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 4

a temperature sensor mounted on the work vehicle for detecting an ambient temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal detection: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 5

a gas cylinder mounted on the work vehicle and charged with fire extinguishing gas; and a valve control section configured to open a valve of the gas cylinder when the ambient temperature becomes equal to or higher than a preset temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion and pressure release: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3498077B1Accommodation device
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3498077B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3498077B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3498077B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

[Object] Provided is an accommodation device capable of transporting a work vehicle(s) smoothly. [Solution] An accommodation device 100 configured to accommodate a plurality of work vehicles 1 that carry out a work while traveling autonomously includes a plurality of accommodation cases 21 mounted on a load carrying bed of a transporter vehicle 300 and capable of accommodating the plurality of work vehicles 1 individually, a supporting section 22 for supporting the plurality of accommodation cases 21 respectively and arranged to allow movement thereof along a preset path, an actuator 23 for driving the supporting section 22 for causing the accommodation cases 21 to move along the path and an electric generator 24 for supplying electric power to the actuator 23.