Adjustable Receiving Elements for Autonomous Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport units for logistical supply in assembly lines and production operations are complex, expensive, and prone to failure, limiting their autonomous operation and increasing the need for manual intervention during loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
A transport unit with adjustable receiving elements that can pivot up to 15° from horizontal, supported by rolling elements or friction-reducing coatings, allowing for safe and efficient loading and unloading without manual intervention, and equipped with a drive system and locking elements for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complex handling system is integrated on the transport unit for loading and unloading, then loading and unloading can be performed, but the device complexity increases significantly and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex handling system from the transport unit and extracts only the essential function needed. Instead of integrating a complete handling system on the transport unit, the invention uses the simple receiving elements with adjustable orientation to perform loading and unloading by gravity, eliminating the need for complex mechanical handling equipment while maintaining autonomous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies equipotentiality by orienting the receiving elements at specific angles (15-45 degrees) relative to the horizontal plane. This angular orientation creates a gravity-driven flow path that enables material to move from the transport unit without requiring additional mechanical handling systems, equalizing the potential energy difference and enabling automatic loading/unloading through gravitational force alone
2Productivity
If receiving elements are oriented horizontally for stable transport, then transport stability is maintained, but loading and unloading require manual intervention and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the receiving elements adjustable in orientation. The receiving elements can dynamically change their angular position between horizontal (for stable transport) and inclined (for gravity-driven loading/unloading). This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize for different operational phases - stable horizontal transport during movement, and inclined positioning during loading/unloading operations - eliminating manual intervention while maintaining transport stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the receiving elements from fixed horizontal to variable angular positions (15-45 degrees). By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system enables gravity-driven material flow during loading and unloading without requiring manual intervention. The receiving elements are adjusted to inclined positions temporarily during transfer operations, then returned to horizontal for stable transport, thus improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation
3Reliability
If receiving elements are inclined at large angles for easy unloading, then material can slide off reliably, but transport stability decreases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of the receiving element orientation to resolve the contradiction between discharge reliability and transport stability. The receiving elements are adjusted to inclined positions (15-45 degrees) only temporarily during loading and unloading operations to ensure reliable material discharge. During transport phases, the receiving elements are maintained in horizontal positions to ensure transport stability. This dynamic, phase-specific adjustment allows the system to achieve both reliable material discharge and stable transport without compromising safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the orientation parameter within a specific angular range (15-45 degrees) rather than using large inclination angles. This optimized parameter range provides sufficient gravitational force for reliable material discharge while maintaining adequate transport stability. The receiving elements are adjusted within this controlled angular range during loading/unloading operations, then returned to horizontal position for transport, thus achieving both discharge reliability and transport stability without compromising safety
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
Enables fast, problem-free operation with reduced manual intervention, enhancing safety and autonomy by allowing safe unloading and loading with minimal manual oversight, increasing the operational cycles of transport units.
Implementation Method 1
the receiving elements are designed with a device which supports the movement of the conveyed material during loading or unloading of the receiving elements
Implementation Method 2
the receiving elements are designed with a device which supports the movement of the conveyed material during loading or unloading of the receiving elements
Implementation Method 3
the receiving elements are jointly adjustable via an adjusting device between a horizontal orientation in the support frame and a loading and/or unloading position deviating from the horizontal orientation
Data Source
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AI summary
Transport unit with a chassis (2) on which a support frame (3) with several, at least two, load-bearing receiving elements (8) arranged one above the other for the conveyed goods (15) is arranged, wherein the receiving elements (8) are arranged adjustably about a longitudinal axis relative to the support frame (3), characterized in that the receiving elements (8) are designed with a device (18) that supports movement of the conveyed goods (15) during loading or unloading of the receiving elements (8) and that the receiving elements (8) are jointly adjustable via an adjusting device between a horizontal orientation in the support frame (3) and a loading and/or unloading position that deviates from the horizontal orientation.