Autonomous Workpiece Transport Vehicle for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transportation systems for objects, such as vehicles in processing systems, lack flexibility and efficiency in moving objects, particularly in environments where precise positioning and autonomous operation are required.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a base body, chassis, and a drive device, equipped with recording elements for precise object handling, lifting drive elements for vertical movement, and lubrication systems to ensure smooth operation, allowing for autonomous and contactless transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roller conveyors or chain conveyors are used to transport workpieces, then the transportation system has simple structure and easy operation, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot achieve precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying system is divided into multiple independent vehicles that can operate autonomously. Each vehicle is a separate unit with its own drive device, allowing individual control and flexible arrangement. This segmentation enables the system to adapt to different transportation needs by configuring varying numbers and types of vehicles without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic vehicle allocation where vehicles can be activated or deactivated based on real-time transportation demands. The autonomous vehicles can independently adjust their positions, speeds, and routes, providing dynamic adaptability to changing production requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used for object handling, then operation is simple and system complexity is low, but positioning precision decreases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors, controllers, and communication devices that enable self-positioning and self-coordination. The vehicles can independently detect their environment, calculate optimal paths, and execute positioning maneuvers without manual intervention, achieving high positioning precision while keeping the control system relatively simple through distributed intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with automated sensor-based navigation and control systems. Optical sensors, encoders, and electronic controllers substitute for manual operations, enabling precise positioning through electronic feedback and control algorithms while reducing the need for complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If receiving elements are fixed in position, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the system cannot perform vertical movement and lifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving elements are designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing vertical movement and position changes. The lifting devices enable dynamic adjustment of receiving element heights, and the vehicles themselves can move vertically between different levels. This dynamic design provides versatile movement capability while maintaining reliability through controlled actuation mechanisms and safety systems.
4Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are deployed for object transportation, then productivity increases and manual intervention decreases, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous vehicles are designed as multi-functional units that can perform various transportation tasks across different locations and conditions. Each vehicle serves multiple purposes including horizontal transport, vertical lifting, precise positioning, and coordination with different receiving devices. This universality increases productivity by eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each function while managing system complexity through standardized vehicle designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle which is used in particular for the transport of objects, in particular workpieces. In this case, preferably one or more receiving elements for receiving one or more objects are provided.