Autonomous Puzzle Storage Assemblies for Flexible Floor Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing puzzle-based storage systems for conveying storage devices on a floor area are complex, require fixed framework installations, and are cumbersome to reconfigure or expand, making them less suitable for small and medium-sized storage facilities.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and cost-effective puzzle-based storage system using autonomous rolling devices with replaceable components, allowing for easy reconfiguration and operation without pre-installed frames, with each transportation assembly equipped with rolling elements, sensors, controllers, and rechargeable power supplies, and a central controller for managing movements and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed framework installations and complex mechanical parts are used in puzzle-based storage systems, then the system provides structured guidance for moving platforms, but the device complexity increases and reconfiguration becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical guidance systems (roller guides, guide rails, physical frameworks) with a software-based navigation system. Autonomous rolling devices use sensors, controllers, and communication means to navigate and position themselves without physical guidance infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable positioning through digital control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from fixed mechanical parameters (physical track layouts, predetermined guidance paths) to flexible software-controlled parameters (dynamic navigation routes, adjustable positioning). This allows the system to adapt its configuration through parameter changes in control software rather than physical reconfiguration, reducing complexity while maintaining guidance stability.
2Reliability
If fixed framework installations are required for puzzle-based storage systems, then the system provides stable operation paths, but the ease of manufacture and installation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the fixed framework installation requirement from the system. By taking out the need for pre-installed physical guidance infrastructure, the system becomes easier to manufacture and install while maintaining operational stability through autonomous navigation capabilities of the rolling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous rolling devices perform self-navigation and self-positioning without requiring external framework guidance. Each device uses its own sensors and controllers to determine its position and move to target locations, making the system easier to install while maintaining operational stability through self-service navigation.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical parts are used in each platform, then the system provides precise control and guidance, but the ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into modular components distributed across autonomous rolling devices. Each device is an independent unit with its own controller, sensors, and power supply, allowing individual replacement without affecting the entire system. This segmentation maintains control precision through distributed intelligence while improving ease of repair through modular replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs replaceable autonomous rolling devices that can be individually replaced if malfunctioning, rather than requiring repair of complex mechanical parts. This approach prioritizes ease of repair by allowing simple replacement of entire autonomous units, maintaining control precision through standardized replacement components.
4Reliability
If fixed framework installations are required, then the system provides structured operation paths, but the adaptability for reconfiguration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the system from static fixed framework paths to dynamic software-controlled navigation routes. The autonomous rolling devices can adapt their paths and destinations dynamically through software control, providing path guidance reliability through real-time navigation while enabling reconfiguration flexibility through programmable route adjustments without physical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous rolling devices serve multiple functions: navigation, positioning, transport, and communication. This universality allows the system to adapt to different configurations and operations through software programming rather than physical reconfiguration, maintaining reliable path guidance while providing reconfiguration flexibility through multi-functional autonomous units.
Data Source
AI summary
A puzzle-based storage system to be operated on a floor area, and a method for providing such, comprising a set of separate transportation assemblies placed together in a two-dimensional puzzle-based configuration occupying minimal floor area. Each transportation assembly comprises a rolling arrangement connected to a transportation body for moving the transportation assembly on the floor area, each transportation assembly is carrying and conveying a storage device. The rolling arrangement connected to each transportation body comprises at least four replaceable autonomous rolling devices, where each rolling device comprises a rolling element, driving means, sensors, controller, communication means, and a rechargeable power supply. Charging means providing power to the rechargeable power supply is provided on the floor area where the puzzle-based storage system is operating. Positions of each transportation assembly is controlled by a central controller unit comprising transmitting and receiving means and which is wirelessly connected to at least one of the replaceable autonomous rolling devices of each transportation assembly.