Multi-Axis Latching System for AMR Cart Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current attachment systems for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) lack a reliable and efficient method for coupling and decoupling robot accessory mounting carts, limiting their versatility and adaptability across various applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis attachment system featuring primary and secondary latching assemblies that enable three-axis releasable coupling between the AMR and the robot accessory mounting cart, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without physical lifting, using a combination of manually and automatically operated latching mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional attachment systems are used for AMRs, then the structure is simple, but the reliability of coupling and decoupling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple independent latching assemblies (primary and secondary), each responsible for specific coupling functions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through distributed locking mechanisms while maintaining manageable complexity by modularizing the attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant latching assemblies that provide backup coupling capability. If one latching assembly fails or is insufficient, other assemblies ensure the cart remains securely attached, providing beforehand protection against coupling failure.
2Productivity
If traditional attachment systems are used for AMRs, then the device complexity is low, but the efficiency of swapping accessories is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching assemblies are designed to be dynamically operable, allowing quick engagement and disengagement of carts. The mechanism enables rapid swapping by permitting easy movement between locked and unlocked states, significantly improving accessory replacement efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is designed to facilitate self-service cart changes, where operators can easily attach and detach carts without requiring complex procedures or specialized tools, thereby improving swapping efficiency through user-friendly operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional attachment systems are used for AMRs, then the ease of operation is limited, but the adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system employs standardized latching assemblies that can accommodate different cart types and configurations. This universal design allows a single AMR platform to operate with various accessories and carts across multiple applications while maintaining consistent and easy attachment procedures.
4Reliability
If multi-axis attachment system with latching assemblies is implemented, then the reliability of coupling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into multiple independent latching assemblies (primary and secondary), each responsible for specific coupling functions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high reliability through distributed locking mechanisms while maintaining manageable complexity by modularizing the attachment structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant latching assemblies that provide backup coupling capability. If one latching assembly fails or is insufficient, other assemblies ensure the cart remains securely attached, providing beforehand protection against coupling failure.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis attachment system including: a first attachment subsystem configured to be coupled to an autonomous mobile robot and including one or more primary latching assemblies; and a second attachment subsystem configured to be coupled to a robot accessory mounting cart and including one or more secondary latching assemblies; wherein the one or more secondary latching assemblies are configured to releasably engage the one or more primary latching assemblies to effectuate the three-axis releasable coupling of the robot accessory mounting cart and the autonomous mobile robot.