Autonomous Transport Robot Payload Bed Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in securely locating and transporting case units during automated transport, as they lack efficient methods to hold cases securely while moving them between storage racks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of autonomous transport vehicles with a payload bed featuring guide surfaces and sensors that allow for precise positioning and secure transfer of case units, ensuring accurate alignment and prevention of obstruction during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated transport devices are used to move case units between storage racks, then productivity is improved, but the ability to securely locate and hold cases during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidcase positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical sensing system. Sensors detect the presence and position of case units on the payload bed, automatically determining their location without manual intervention. This substitution enables automated transport devices to maintain secure case positioning while improving productivity, as the sensing system provides real-time feedback for accurate case location tracking during automated movement between storage racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If case units are transported without secure positioning mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of case misplacement or damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport mechanism simplicityVSAvoidcase damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the position of case units on the payload bed during transport. This feedback information is used to verify that cases remain properly positioned throughout the transport process. The simple payload bed design is enhanced by this sensing feedback system, which detects case presence and position to prevent misplacement or damage without adding complex mechanical restraining structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the case units and the transport system. These sensors act as mediators that detect case position and provide information to the control system, enabling secure case handling without direct mechanical interaction. This intermediary sensing approach allows the simple payload bed to achieve reliable case positioning by detecting and reporting case location rather than through complex mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10106322B2Bot payload alignment and sensing

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 SYMBOTIC LLC

AI summary

An autonomous transport robot for transporting a payload, the autonomous transport robot includes a payload bed having at least one reference datum surface and at least one payload justification device, the at least one payload justification device being configured to position a payload on the payload bed in substantial contact with the at least one reference datum surface to place the payload in a predetermined position on the payload bed.