AGV Lifting Platform With Inverted Omega Layout for Ergonomic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) lack a modular accessory device that can be easily mounted on different types and is economical, with low overall dimensions, and adaptable to various production environments and components, while facilitating ergonomic operator interaction and efficient handling.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory device with a height-adjustable inverted omega-shaped upper platform, equipped with pantograph lifting units and a motorized accessory such as a roller conveyor or revolving table, allowing vertical movement and ergonomic operation, powered by AGV batteries and featuring a configurable electronic control unit for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flat upper platform is used, then the structure is simple, but the vertical dimension becomes large and operator ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The upper platform is made height-adjustable through pantograph lifting units that can raise and lower the platform vertically. This dynamic adjustment allows the platform to be positioned at ergonomic heights for operators while maintaining a compact vertical dimension when lowered, resolving the contradiction between operator comfort and compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper platform is designed with an inverted omega shape, creating a three-dimensional structure where the central portion is lowered relative to the end portions. This dimensional variation allows accessories to be positioned in the lowered central area, reducing the overall vertical dimension while maintaining ergonomic working surfaces at the elevated end portions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are added to facilitate handling, then handling capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted omega-shaped upper platform serves multiple functions: it provides elevated working surfaces at the end portions for operator access, creates a lowered central portion for mounting various accessories (roller conveyors, revolving tables, lifting units), and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design enhances handling capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pantograph lifting units act as intermediaries between the base surface and the upper platform, providing smooth vertical movement. The motorized accessories (roller conveyors, revolving tables) serve as intermediaries to facilitate object movement and positioning. These intermediary elements enhance versatility while being integrated into the existing structural framework.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for specific AGV types, then performance is optimized, but adaptability to different AGVs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory device is designed as a modular system with separable components: the base portion that attaches to the AGV, the pantograph lifting units, the inverted omega-shaped upper platform, and detachable accessories. This segmentation allows the device to be configured and adapted to different AGV types while maintaining optimized performance for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable parameters including height adjustment of the upper platform, configurable accessory positions in the central portion, and adaptable mounting configurations. These parameter changes allow the same basic design to be optimized for different AGV types and production environments without sacrificing reliability.
4Ease of operation
If multiple lifting units are used for height adjustment, then height control improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pantograph lifting units are combined to support the inverted omega-shaped upper platform, with each unit handling a portion of the load and providing synchronized height adjustment. This distribution of function across multiple identical modules improves height control and stability while using standardized components that reduce manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single complex lifting mechanism.
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 efficient loading, unloading, and assembly operations in ergonomic positions with reduced height, adaptable to different AGVs and production environments, enhancing handling capabilities and operator interaction through adjustable and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting units have a pantograph structure having a base portion arranged to be fixed above the base surface of the AGV, and a vertically movable upper portion
Implementation Method 2
The accessory is either a roller conveyor equipped with an electric motor or a motorized revolving table
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An accessory device (1) for AGV (A), configured to be mounted on board the AGV (A), is described here, for example, to facilitate loading onto, and unloading from the AGV (A), of an object transported by the AGV (A). The accessory device (1) comprises two lifting units (2) arranged to be mounted above a base surface (3) of the AGV (A). The lifting units (2) are operative in a substantially vertical direction by means of the actuation of an electric motor (M). The accessory device (1) also comprises an upper platform (4) arranged above the lifting units (2), in such a way that the upper platform (4) can be raised or lowered by the lifting units (2). The upper platform (4) is substantially shaped like an inverted omega, so that it has a central portion (41) lying in a plane that is lowered with respect to its end portions (40) arranged above the lifting units (2).