Adjustable Load Handling System Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load handling systems are inefficient and incapable of handling totes of varying sizes and those in hard-to-reach locations due to their complex and inflexible mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable load handling system (ALHS) featuring load arms with a cam assembly, guide slots, and a motor, allowing for the arms to adjust their position relative to the cam wheel, enabling them to engage and secure totes of different sizes by sliding along guide slots and wheel tracks, and an actuator for translating the cam assembly relative to the shuttle cart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional load handling system is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot handle totes of varying sizes and locations efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling system employs a cam wheel with variable cam profiles that dynamically adjust the position and orientation of load arms based on rotation angle. This allows the system to adapt to different tote sizes and locations by changing the cam wheel's rotational position, transforming a static mechanism into a dynamic one that can handle varied loads efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes geometric parameters of the load arms through the cam mechanism. As the cam wheel rotates, it alters the position, angle, and separation distance of the load arms according to the cam profile geometry. This parameter transformation enables the same mechanism to accommodate different tote dimensions without structural modification
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional load handling system is used, then the mechanism is simple, but it is incapable of accessing hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The cam wheel mechanism dynamically repositions the load arms in multiple degrees of freedom, allowing them to reach various locations including hard-to-access areas. The variable cam profiles enable the load arms to extend, retract, and orient themselves according to the specific location requirements, providing accessibility that simple fixed mechanisms cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The cam wheel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the position, orientation, and separation of load arms while accommodating different tote sizes and locations. This multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment systems, achieving versatility without proportional increases in complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable load handling system with cam assembly is used, then adaptability to different tote sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam wheel integrates multiple control functions into a single component. By combining the position control, orientation control, and separation distance control of load arms into one cam wheel assembly, the system achieves high adaptability while minimizing the number of separate mechanisms needed. The merged design reduces overall system complexity despite the increased functionality
4Productivity
If a fixed load handling system is used, then the device is simple, but productivity is reduced due to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic cam wheel mechanism allows rapid adjustment of load arm positions and orientations to match different tote configurations. This eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration or multiple fixed mechanisms, enabling continuous operation across varied load types and significantly improving handling efficiency and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system efficiently transforms the cam wheel's rotational parameter into varied load arm positions and orientations. This parameter transformation capability allows the mechanism to quickly adapt to different tote sizes and locations, maintaining high productivity across diverse handling tasks without requiring complex control systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ALHS effectively adjusts to accommodate totes of various sizes, securely engaging and moving them, improving efficiency and accessibility in warehouse and industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
a cam assembly including: a cam wheel; and a guide plate including one or more guide slots, wherein the one or more load arms are disposed within the one or more guide slots, and wherein the one or more load arms are operably engaged with the cam wheel such that a rotation of the cam wheel causes the one or more load arms to slide along the one or more guide slots relative to the cam wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, assemblies, and/or the like are provided. In some embodiments, an adjustable load handling system (ALHS) includes one or more load arms, wherein the one or more load arms are configured to operably engage one or more totes; a cam assembly including: a cam wheel; and a guide plate including one or more guide slots, wherein the one or more load arms are disposed within the one or more guide slots, and wherein the one or more load arms are operably engaged with the cam wheel such that a rotation of the cam wheel causes the one or more load arms to slide along the one or more guide slots relative to the cam wheel; and a motor operably engaged with the cam assembly, wherein the motor is configured to drive the rotation of the cam wheel.