Actuated Hitch Latch With Guided Cart Hook Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Materials handling vehicles, such as tuggers, face challenges in accurately engaging carts due to limited maneuverability, which restricts their ability to navigate effectively in warehouse environments.
Innovation Solution
A hitch system with a latch, sensors, and an actuator that automatically positions the latch between open and closed positions based on sensor signals, allowing for precise engagement and disengagement of the cart hook, enhancing the vehicle's ability to turn and maintain engagement while navigating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a materials handling vehicle uses a traditional hitch engagement system, then the structure is simple, but the turning radius is limited and engagement accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system employs a movable latch mechanism that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The latch is positionable between an open position and a closed position through actuator movement, enabling the system to adapt to different engagement requirements and improve maneuverability during turning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving member acts as an intermediary component that guides the cart hook into proper alignment with the latch. This intermediary structure facilitates accurate engagement by leading the cart hook to engage the latch automatically, improving engagement accuracy without requiring complex manual positioning
2Reliability
If the latch is always in the closed position for secure engagement, then engagement reliability is high, but the vehicle cannot disengage the cart
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, capable of transitioning between closed (locked) and open (unlocked) positions. The actuator controls this transition, allowing the system to maintain reliable engagement during transport while enabling easy disengagement at the destination by simply reversing the actuator position
Solution Approach 2:
Latch sensors detect the position of the latch and provide feedback to the hitch controller. This feedback mechanism ensures the system knows whether the latch is engaged or disengaged, confirming reliable engagement when closed and enabling proper disengagement sequencing when opened, thus maintaining both reliability and operational ease
3Measurement precision
If manual engagement of the hitch is used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but engagement accuracy is poor and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch system performs self-alignment and self-engagement through the receiving member that automatically guides the cart hook into the correct position. The actuator then automatically secures the latch without requiring manual intervention, achieving high engagement accuracy while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity through automated self-servicing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving member serves as a guiding intermediary that automatically aligns the cart hook with the latch opening. This intermediary structure provides the precision needed for accurate engagement by mechanically leading the cart hook into position, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning while keeping the overall system manufacturable
4Productivity
If the actuator moves the latch quickly for rapid engagement, then productivity is high, but the risk of misalignment and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving member performs preliminary alignment of the cart hook with the latch before the actual engagement occurs. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the actuator moves the latch quickly for rapid engagement, the components are already properly aligned, preventing misalignment and damage while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving member and latch structure are designed to accommodate and cushion any minor misalignments that may occur during rapid actuator movement. The guiding geometry of the receiving member provides a cushioning effect that prevents hard impacts or damage during quick engagement, maintaining both speed and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A materials handling vehicle comprising a hitch system, and a drive mechanism. The hitch system comprises a hitch and a hitch controller. The hitch comprises a latch, one or more sensors, an actuator, and a receiving member. The latch is positionable between open and closed positions. The actuator is positionable between retracted, intermediate, and extended positions. The receiving member is configured to lead a cart hook to engage the latch when in the closed position. The one or more sensors are configured to detect a position of the latch and a presence of the cart hook received within the receiving member. The hitch controller is configured to position the actuator in one of the retracted position, the intermediate position, and the extended position, and to position the latch in one of the open position and the closed position in response to signals received from the one or more sensors.