AWV Pallet Positioning Structure With Spring-Loaded Auto Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency and cost ineffectiveness of requiring manual intervention to ensure precise positioning and fixing of pallets on autonomous work vehicles (AWVs) during loading and transportation processes, which hampers automation and productivity.
Innovation Solution
A pallet structure with an inclined surface and positioning mechanism featuring slits and a spring-loaded engaging element that automatically aligns and secures the pallet on the vehicle's loading surface, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual intervention is used to check and fix pallet positioning on AWVs, then positioning accuracy is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to requiring operator involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is designed to automatically align and secure the pallet to the AWV loading surface without requiring manual intervention. The engaging element with spring biasing automatically engages with positioning features on the vehicle, and the sloping edge self-aligns with the inclined surface during placement, enabling the system to serve itself in achieving accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is pre-configured with the spring-biased engaging element and sloping edge geometry before the pallet is placed on the vehicle. This preliminary setup ensures that as soon as the pallet is positioned on the loading surface, the engaging element automatically engages with the inclined surface features, eliminating the need for subsequent manual adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning adjustment is performed by operators or drivers, then pallet alignment with loading surface is improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism automatically performs alignment and securing functions through its self-actuating design. The sloping edge self-aligns with the inclined surface during pallet placement, and the spring-biased engaging element automatically engages with positioning features, eliminating the need for operators or drivers to perform time-consuming manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is pre-configured with geometric features (sloping edge and spring-biased engaging element) that automatically engage with corresponding features on the vehicle during pallet placement. This preliminary setup ensures immediate alignment and securing without requiring subsequent manual intervention.
3Productivity
If automated positioning mechanism is implemented, then productivity and automation level are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning components
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism achieves automation through a self-actuating design where the spring-biased engaging element automatically engages with positioning features on the vehicle, and the sloping edge self-aligns during placement. This self-service approach provides automated positioning functionality without requiring complex external control systems, sensors, or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a spring-biased engaging element and geometric sloping edge features rather than complex mechanical systems. These simple components achieve the desired automated positioning function without the need for expensive, complex machinery.
4Ease of operation
If spring-biased engaging element is used for automatic engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning mechanism components
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism uses a simple spring-biased engaging element instead of complex mechanical systems. The spring provides automatic biasing force for engagement, and the engaging element itself is a simple component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, providing ease of operation without significant complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-biased engaging element automatically engages with positioning features on the vehicle through its own spring force, without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms. This self-service approach provides ease of operation while keeping the device complexity minimal.
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
Facilitates efficient automation by ensuring accurate and secure positioning of pallets on AWVs, reducing manual labor and enhancing productivity and time savings during loading and transportation processes.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring is connected between the engaging element and the sloping edge and biasing the engaging element to protrude outward from an outer surface of the sloping edge
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet structure includes a positioning mechanism is provided. The positioning mechanism includes an engaging element disposed on a sloping edge and adapted to be engaged with slits formed on the inclined surface of a vehicle. A coil spring is connected between the engaging element and the sloping edge and biasing the engaging element to protrude outward from an outer surface of the sloping edge. A retaining element is disposed between an inner surface of the sloping edge and a bottom deck board of the pallet and configured to retain the engaging element to move between an engaging position and a disengaging position. The protruding end of the engaging element is protruded outward from the outer surface of the sloping edge in the engaging position, and the protruding end of the engaging element is not protruded from the outer surface of the sloping edge in the disengaging position.