Automated Guided Vehicle Storage for Tire Stack Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems for vehicle tires of different sizes face issues with dense packing leading to instability and disorder, requiring extensive manual intervention to rectify, which disrupts production and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing special transport vehicles and technical equipment for efficient and safe storage and picking of goods, featuring stacking carriages and transport vehicles with induction loops for energy and control, along with sensors and barcode systems for precise handling and positioning, ensuring minimal time expenditure and maximum safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If goods units are densely packed in storage fields, then storage capacity is improved, but stability and order are worsened leading to falls and disorder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstack stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The storage area is divided into multiple storage fields with individual supports for each stack. Each support structure is independently controllable, allowing selective stabilization of problematic stacks without affecting others. This segmentation enables dense packing while maintaining stability through localized support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support structures act as intermediaries between the storage floor and the goods stacks. These supports provide additional stabilization for stacks that are prone to falling due to dense packing, serving as a mediator that enables higher density while preventing instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If manual intervention is used to rectify disorder, then stack stability is improved, but production time is worsened due to interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack stabilityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors and automated support structures to detect and correct unstable stacks without human intervention. The support structures can be automatically activated when instability is detected, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain stability continuously without production interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously monitor stack stability and provide feedback to the control system. When instability is detected, the system automatically activates support structures to correct the issue, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains stability without manual intervention or production stoppage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If bridge cranes are used for storage and retrieval, then storage capacity is improved, but operational complexity and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heavy lifting function from bridge cranes and transfers it to automated guided vehicles (AGVs). This removes the need for complex overhead crane infrastructure while maintaining storage capacity, simplifying the overall system by eliminating large, expensive bridge crane installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical bridge crane system with an automated guided vehicle system that uses sensors, navigation, and automated handling equipment. This substitution reduces infrastructure complexity and operational costs while maintaining or improving storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If different gripping devices are used for different tire sizes, then handling precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling precisionVSAvoidgripping device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping devices are designed with universal, adjustable mechanisms that can accommodate different tire sizes and configurations. Rather than requiring separate specialized grippers for each tire type, a single multi-functional gripping device can adapt to various sizes through adjustable parameters, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping devices incorporate dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow them to adapt their configuration based on the specific tire being handled. This dynamic adaptability enables precise handling of different tire sizes using a single device type, avoiding the need for multiple static gripping devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 quick and safe storage and smooth picking of goods, reducing manual labor and production interruptions, while allowing for flexible handling of various tire sizes and types, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

transport vehicles with induction loops for energy and control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2681137B1Apparatus and method for the defined intermediate storage and picking of produced articles of the same type but different size
Publication Date: 2015.04.22 GRENZEBACH MASCHINENBAU GMBH
  • EP2681137B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2681137B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2681137B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus and method for the defined intermediate storage of produced articles of the same type but different size and for the simultaneous composition of consignments of said articles, having the following features: a) a delivery path (3) for the continuous conveying of the produced products into the region of stacking robots (7), b) a multiplicity of transport vehicles (9) for transporting stacking pallets and order-picking pallets (6), c) a multiplicity of storing positions (10) for stacking pallets, d) one or more stacking robots (5) for filling order-picking pallets (6), e) a plurality of induction lines (8) for power supply and control of the transport vehicles (9).