Heavy load moving mechanism for platform borne loads - has array of flexible envelopes which are inflated and deflated cyclically to inch load forward

摘要

The load is mounted onto a movable platform and a number of inflatable envelopes are fed by the rotating feeder to the space under the end of the platform. The envelopes are individually supplied with pressurised fluid, compressed air or hydraulic liquid. The envelopes are inflated according to a cyclic operation such that one of the envelopes only is deflated at one time. The envelopes are held between the end plates and the load creeps forward as the inflating envelope displaces the deflated one. The coefficient of friction between the envelopes and the underside of the platform is less than that between the envelopes and the ground.