Storage Bin Transport Robot Layout for Stable Vertical Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely operated vehicles for storage bin retrieval in storage systems face issues with stability, maximum handling weight, space utilization, and efficiency due to their design, which limits access to all storage columns and causes torque-related instability and speed reduction during lifting.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle with a larger central cavity and non-quadratic cross-sectional area, symmetrically arranged wheels for increased stability, and position sensing for precise navigation, allowing it to access all storage columns and maintain lifting speed while distributing weight symmetrically for enhanced stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot uses an integrated yoke/overhang design in the upper part, then it can receive storage bins, but it causes speed reduction at the final stage of lifting and potential instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the integrated yoke/overhang structure from the robot design. Instead, it uses a separate lifting mechanism where the bin is lifted vertically without the need for an overhang structure, thereby eliminating the speed reduction issue while maintaining bin receiving capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional lifting approach by using a direct vertical lifting mechanism rather than an overhang-based system. The bin is lifted straight up without requiring the robot to slow down for an integrated yoke engagement, thus maintaining lifting speed
2Stability of the object's composition
If the robot design is optimized for specific bin heights, then stability is improved, but it limits adaptability to different bin types and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the robot with a universal lifting mechanism that can accommodate bins of various heights and types. The lifting system is configured to adapt to different bin dimensions without requiring design changes, thereby achieving both stability and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The robot employs a dynamic lifting mechanism that can adjust its operation parameters based on the specific bin being handled. This allows the system to maintain optimal stability for each bin type while remaining adaptable to different configurations
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot operates near the edge of the storage grid, then access to more storage columns is improved, but stability deteriorates due to high torque during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the high torque generated during lifting operations. This counterweight system allows the robot to operate stably even when positioned at the edges of the storage grid, maintaining both accessibility and stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle for picking up storage bins from a storage system, as well as a storage system comprising the vehicle and a method using the vehicle. The inventive vehicle or robot comprises a vehicle body comprising a first section for storing vehicle driving means and a second section for receiving any storage bin stored in a storage column within the storage system, a vehicle lifting device at least indirectly connected to the vehicle body for lifting the storage bin into the second section, a first set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body allowing movement of the vehicle along a first direction within the storage system during use and a second set of vehicle rolling means connected to the vehicle body allowing movement of the vehicle along a second direction in the storage system during use, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second section comprising a centrally arranged cavity within the vehicle body, the cavity having one bin receiving opening facing towards the storage columns during use, both sets of vehicle rolling means comprise four wheels, and both sets of vehicle rolling means are symmetrically distributed around the centrally arranged cavity near the lower corners of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises position sensing means to allow measurements of the vehicle position within the storage system during use.