Autonomous Cargo Vehicle with Powered Rollers and 4-Wheel Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional forklifts face challenges in complex environments due to the need for continuous readjustment of cargo and lack of autonomy, leading to complex control systems and safety concerns during loading and transportation of palletized cargo.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous cargo vehicle with innovative lifting forks and a stable transportation platform featuring powered rollers and a pallet jack mechanism for secure and stable cargo handling, along with independent four-wheel steering and adjustable suspension for enhanced maneuverability and terrain adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional forklift architecture is used to achieve autonomy, then autonomous cargo handling capability is improved, but control system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical forklift control systems with an autonomous robotic system that uses sensors, processors, and automated control algorithms to perform cargo handling operations, thereby reducing the complexity of manual control systems while achieving autonomy
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robotic forklift performs cargo handling operations independently without requiring human operators or complex manual control systems, enabling the system to serve itself through automated navigation, lifting, and positioning functions
2Reliability
If manual cargo readjustment is performed to ensure safe loading, then cargo safety is improved, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cargo readjustment operations with automated robotic mechanisms that can sense cargo position, calculate optimal positioning, and execute adjustments automatically, thereby maintaining cargo safety while eliminating the time loss associated with manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system incorporates sensors and feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor cargo position and stability, automatically making real-time adjustments to ensure safe loading without requiring manual intervention or spotter coordination
3Adaptability or versatility
If four-wheel articulation and manual adjustments are used to fit inside aircraft, then cargo loading capability is improved, but operational complexity and manual intervention increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable four-wheel articulation and automated platform angle adjustment mechanisms that can adapt in real-time to the spatial constraints of aircraft cargo holds, enabling the system to fit inside various aircraft configurations without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robotic system performs self-positioning and self-adjustment operations to fit within aircraft cargo spaces, eliminating the need for manual canopy removal, fork adjustment, and positioning operations that characterize conventional forklift loading procedures
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
The solution simplifies control systems, reduces the risk of cargo tip-over, and allows for safe and efficient autonomous cargo handling and transfer between various vehicles and terrain types, including aircraft, with reduced weight and complexity compared to conventional forklifts.
Implementation Method 1
Powered rollers integrated into the forks and platform may support autonomous repositioning and maneuvering of the cargo
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment may provide a robotic powered cargo handling system. An embodiment may implement a pallet-lift mechanism to lift cargo or pallets. Powered rollers may be embedded into the forks of a pallet-lift mechanism and on top of the vehicle body. An exemplary embodiment may be fully autonomous. A user or software may direct the vehicle to a pallet or piece of cargo and set a destination for the cargo. Sensors, cameras, GPS, and computer vision may be implemented to navigate and avoid obstacles. An exemplary embodiment may include independent 4-wheel steering, 4 corner height adjustment, in-hub electric motors, and pneumatic or solid tires.