A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically, shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.
MOBILE PLATFORM FOR MATERIALS TRANSPORT
2017-03-23
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B60P Fahrzeuge zum Transport von Lasten oder zum Befördern, Tragen oder Aufnehmen besonderer Lasten oder Gegenstände , VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS / B60B VEHICLE WHEELS , Räder für Fahrzeuge / B60G VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS , Radaufhängungen und Federungen für Fahrzeuge / B60K Anordnung oder Einbau von Antriebseinheiten oder von Kraft- bzw. Drehmomentübertragungen in Fahrzeugen , ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES / B62D MOTOR VEHICLES , Motorfahrzeuge / G05D SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES , Systeme zum Steuern oder Regeln nichtelektrischer veränderlicher Größen |