Autonomous Transport Vehicle with Inductive Charging and Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manufacturing plant transport systems require storage facilities for containers, which can be inefficient and require separate logistical processes for container handling and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A transport system where autonomous vehicles with lifting devices and inductive energy supply can move containers within a manufacturing plant, eliminating the need for storage facilities by using the vehicle as a storage location and enabling both intralogistic and external transport with protective housing, allowing for contactless energy charging and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transport systems with separate storage facilities are used, then containers can be stored and transported, but storage facilities like high-bay warehouses are required and logistical processes become complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage function and transport function into a single integrated system. The autonomous transport vehicle serves dual purposes: it transports containers between locations and provides mobile storage capacity. This eliminates the need for separate stationary storage facilities like high-bay warehouses, as the vehicle itself becomes the storage medium during transit and at intermediate stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous transport vehicle is designed with multi-functionality, performing both transport and storage operations. The vehicle can carry containers, navigate autonomously to delivery locations, and hold containers during transit. This universal design replaces the need for specialized storage infrastructure, as the vehicle adapts to both logistical roles seamlessly.
2Productivity
If autonomous vehicles with lifting devices are used, then container handling efficiency improves, but vehicle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous transport vehicle is equipped with self-service capabilities through integrated lifting devices that enable it to load and unload containers independently without external assistance. The vehicle autonomously navigates to production facilities, positions itself, and uses its lifting mechanism to transfer containers, thereby handling its own operational needs and improving container handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanically-assisted container handling with an autonomous vehicle system that integrates lifting mechanisms. Instead of using separate cranes or manual labor at storage facilities, the vehicle itself performs the lifting and transfer operations, substituting complex external mechanical systems with a self-contained autonomous platform.
3Use of energy by moving object
If inductive energy supply is implemented, then charging efficiency improves, but energy infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional plug-and-play electrical charging infrastructure with inductive energy transfer. Instead of requiring physical connections between charging stations and the autonomous vehicle, the system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy wirelessly through fields, eliminating the need for complex plug sockets and cable management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive charging system introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the vehicle's energy storage. The charging infrastructure generates an electromagnetic field that couples with a receiver on the vehicle, enabling energy transfer without direct physical contact. This intermediary approach simplifies the interface between infrastructure and vehicle.
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
This solution reduces the need for storage facilities, enables efficient container handling and transportation within and outside the plant, and allows for cost-effective and protected transport of goods, optimizing logistical processes and reducing the size of storage facilities like high-bay warehouses.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor has an RFID reader, wherein by means of the sensor information about goods contained in a container, in particular transport goods, is transmitted to a central computer
Implementation Method 2
energy is supplied to the transport vehicle in the transfer zone, in particular is supplied inductively to charge its energy storage device
Data Source
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AI summary
Transporting system for transporting a container, and method for operating a production installation having a transporting system, wherein the transporting system has a vehicle and a transporting vehicle, on the framework of which are arranged two spaced-apart wheel drives, each having a wheel, in particular wherein the two wheels are arranged in contact with the ground in order to generate traction force for the transporting vehicle, in particular wherein the axles of the two wheels are oriented parallel to one another, wherein a first and a second set-down part are arranged, and/or formed, on the framework, wherein the first set-down part is spaced apart from the second set-down part, wherein the wheel drives and the set-down parts have arranged between them a spatial region into which, and out of which, the vehicle, with the container accommodated thereby, can be moved, wherein the container has a width which is greater than the distance, in particular the smallest distance, between the set-down parts, wherein the vehicle has a lifting device, and the vehicle can be moved into the spatial region when the lifting device is retracted and also when it is extended, wherein the container can be arranged on the vehicle, above the set-down parts, when the lifting device is extended, and wherein the container can be arranged in position on the set-down parts when the lifting device is retracted.