AGV Stabilization System for Precision Positioning on Irregular Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) face challenges in stabilizing on uneven surfaces, which can affect the precision and safety of payload handling, especially when performing manufacturing operations on large workpieces like aerospace fuselages or ship hulls.
Innovation Solution
A stabilization system for AGVs, comprising an upper locating assembly attached to the vehicle and a lower locating assembly installed in the ground, with an extension member that engages the ground or the assembly to secure the AGV in place, allowing for precise positioning and leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AGV operates on irregular surfaces with shock absorbing systems, then the AGV can traverse uneven ground, but the positioning precision and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system divides the AGV into separate functional components: an upper locating assembly attached to the AGV body and a lower locating assembly installed in the ground. The extension member acts as a connecting segment that physically links these two assemblies, separating the mobility function from the positioning function to resolve the contradiction between traversing irregular surfaces and maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member serves as an intermediary element between the upper and lower locating assemblies. It transfers positional reference from the ground-based lower assembly to the AGV-based upper assembly, enabling precise positioning even when the AGV operates on uneven terrain. This intermediary mechanism allows the AGV to maintain measurement precision while adapting to irregular surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If AGV uses stabilization system with extension member, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components that can be independently designed, manufactured, and maintained. The upper locating assembly attaches to the AGV, the lower locating assembly installs in the ground, and the extension member connects them. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining precise positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire AGV complex with integrated stabilization mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by placing the primary positioning reference (lower locating assembly) in the ground and having the AGV adapt to it through the extension member. This inversion simplifies the AGV design while achieving high positioning precision through the external ground-based reference system.
3Productivity
If AGV performs manufacturing operations on large workpieces, then the productivity increases, but the stability requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization system performs preliminary action by establishing the AGV's precise position and stability before manufacturing operations begin. The upper and lower locating assemblies align through the extension member to pre-position the AGV accurately on the workpiece, ensuring stability is established in advance. This allows high-productivity manufacturing operations to proceed without compromising AGV stability during the actual manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated guided vehicle (12) is equipped with a stabilization system (16) for precisely locating, leveling, or otherwise positioning the AGV (12) and its payload (14) with respect to a work piece (15). The stabilization system (16) includes one or more extension members (114, 214) that extend away from the AGV (12) to engage the ground or a locating assembly (104) installed in the ground. Each extension member (114, 214) may be part of a locating assembly (102) or a leveling assembly (202). The locating assembly extension member (114) may extend at least partially into an opening (170) of another locating assembly (104) to align the two locating assemblies (102, 104). The locating assembly (104) may also be configured to provide a leveling function.