Self-Propelled Adaptor Unit for Flexible Intralogistics Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intralogistics systems face challenges with varying payloads, labor intensity, and safety issues due to the limitations of forklifts and manual carts, which are not adaptable to different load sizes and can be hazardous to human operators.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a self-propelled autonomous or remote-controlled guide unit and a self-propelled adaptor unit, where the guide unit provides navigation and control, and the adaptor unit handles payload movement and lifting, allowing for flexible handling of different load types with reduced unit costs and increased safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If forklifts are used for transporting goods, then load capacity is high, but safety risks increase and adaptability to different load sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the forklift function into two separate units: a guide unit (controlling navigation and direction) and a pusher unit (providing propulsion force). This segmentation allows the pusher unit to be optimized for safe, controlled force application while the guide unit handles navigation, reducing overall safety risks while maintaining load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the pusher unit. It receives navigation commands and translates them into controlled propulsion requests, mediating the interaction to ensure safe and precise operation while maintaining adaptability to different load sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual carts are used for transporting items, then adaptability to specific uses increases, but labor intensity increases and maximum load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher unit is equipped with its own propulsion system that can be controlled remotely or autonomously. This self-service capability eliminates the need for human operators to physically push carts, reducing labor intensity while maintaining the adaptability of manual cart designs for specific uses.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If manual carts are used for transporting items, then safety for human operators improves, but maximum load capacity is limited by human strength
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the navigation function (guide unit) from the propulsion function (pusher unit). This allows the pusher unit to provide the necessary force for heavy loads without requiring human operators to be in direct contact with the load, maintaining safety while increasing load capacity beyond human limitations.
4Force
If forklifts are used for handling pallets, then load capacity is sufficient, but compatibility with non-pallet loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher unit is designed with universal propulsion capabilities that can work with various load types including pallets, wheeled carts, and other materials. The separation from specialized forklift mechanisms allows the system to adapt to different load forms while maintaining sufficient load capacity through controlled force application.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled adaptor unit for use in the intralogistics system. The self-propelled adaptor unit comprising a motor, and at least one drive wheel connected to the motor for propelling the self-propelled adaptor unit. The self-propelled adaptor unit further comprises a first mechanical connection configured to connect to a mechanical connection of a load bearing unit, such that a first mechanical interconnection can be created between the self-propelled adaptor unit and the load bearing unit. The self-propelled adaptor unit further comprises a computer connected to the motor and the at least one drive wheel, the computer comprises a receiver for receiving instructions from a self-propelled autonomous or remote-controlled guide unit for controlling the motor.