An alignment system for use in coupling a work machine system comprising interchangeable trailer units
AssigneeCaterpillar SARL
InventorStephen HERD
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The work machine system comprises a tractor unit releasably connectable to interchangeable trailer units by a coupling. When a trailer unit is coupled to the tractor unit a work machine is formed for performing work functions. The tractor unit may not be capable of movement between trailer units when uncoupled, for example because it comprises only one pair of wheels rotating about a single axis and as such would tip over without support. The alignment system comprises a platform for supporting and holding the tractor unit thereon and a platform transport system to move the platform relative to the trailer units. Therefore, alignment for coupling between the tractor and trailer units can be achieved.
Claims13
An alignment system for use in coupling a work machine system, the work machine system comprising:
- a plurality of interchangeable trailer units;
- and
- a tractor unit for coupling to each of the trailer units to form a work machine, wherein the alignment system comprises:
- a storage area comprising a plurality of storage stations, each storage station being for receiving a trailer unit;
- a platform adjacent to the storage area for receiving and supporting the tractor unit, the platform comprising a support arrangement for supporting the tractor unit when received on the platform such that the tractor unit remains in an upright position, the support arrangement comprising at least one mount against which the tractor unit rests or to which the tractor unit is coupled;
- and
- a platform transport system configured to convey the platform into alignment with each of the storage stations for aligning the tractor unit mounted on the platform with an adjacent trailer unit such that the tractor unit can be releasably coupled to the adjacent trailer unit.
A method of operating an apparatus comprising a work machine system and an alignment system, the work machine system comprising a tractor unit coupleable to a plurality of interchangeable trailer units and the alignment system comprising a storage area and an adjacent platform moveable by a platform transport system, the platform comprising a support arrangement for supporting the tractor unit when received on the platform such that the tractor unit remains in an upright position, the support arrangement comprising at least one mount against which the tractor unit rests or to which the tractor unit is coupled, wherein the method comprises:
- operating a work machine of the work machine system comprising the tractor unit coupled to a first trailer unit of the plurality of trailer units so as to mount the tractor unit on the platform and locate the first trailer unit in the storage area;
- decoupling the tractor unit from the first trailer unit;
- operating the platform transport system to move the platform and tractor unit mounted thereon relative to the storage area until the tractor unit is aligned with a second trailer unit of the plurality of trailer units in the storage area;
- and
- coupling the tractor unit to the second trailer unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.