Bin Storage Robot Layout for Stable High-Load Bin Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely operated vehicles for storage systems face issues with access to all storage columns, stability during lifting and transportation, limited maximum handling weight, and speed reduction due to design constraints, which restrict their operational efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated vehicle with a vehicle body featuring a central cavity for bin reception, symmetrically arranged rolling means for enhanced stability, and a lifting device that allows movement in two directions, enabling higher stability, increased handling capacity, and efficient bin lifting and transportation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the prior art robot design with integrated yoke/overhang is used, then the robot can lift storage bins, but the maximum handling weight is limited and stability problems occur during lifting and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The robot body is divided into separate functional sections: a first section for driving means and a second section for receiving bins. This segmentation allows the lifting device to be positioned optimally without the constraints of an integrated yoke design, thereby increasing maximum handling weight while maintaining stability during operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new spatial arrangement by positioning rolling means in two perpendicular directions (first direction along rails, second direction perpendicular thereto). This dimensional change enables the robot to access all storage columns while maintaining stable bin lifting and transportation, overcoming the stability limitations of prior art designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the prior art robot design is used, then the robot can operate on supporting rails, but access to all storage columns is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is equipped with rolling means that can move in two perpendicular directions: along the supporting rails in a first direction and perpendicular to the rails in a second direction. This bidirectional rolling capability enables the robot to access all storage columns in the storage system, significantly improving adaptability and operational efficiency.
3Speed
If the prior art robot design with yoke/overhang is used, then the robot can receive storage bins, but speed reduction occurs at the final stage of lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the integrated yoke/overhang structure from the robot design. By extracting this component, the robot eliminates the speed reduction issue that occurred at the final stage of lifting in prior art designs, while maintaining the capability to receive and transport storage bins efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a yoke/overhang structure that requires speed reduction, the invention inverts the approach by using a direct lifting mechanism where the lifting device is at least indirectly connected to the robot body. This inversion allows the robot to maintain lifting speed throughout the entire lifting process without the need for speed reduction at the final stage.
4Force
If the prior art robot design is used, then the robot can lift storage bins, but undesirable high torque is generated creating instability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the robot body into separate sections and positioning the lifting device optimally, the invention reduces the torque arm length during bin lifting. This segmentation allows the lifting force to be applied more efficiently, generating the necessary lifting force while minimizing undesirable high torque that would otherwise create instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of rolling means in two perpendicular directions enables the robot to position itself optimally relative to storage columns and bins. This dimensional change allows for better force distribution and reduced torque during lifting operations, thereby maintaining robot stability while providing sufficient lifting force.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a bin storage system including a plurality of storage columns for the storage of a plurality of vertically-stacked storage bins, and a plurality of robot vehicles for transporting storage bins, the method includes: positioning a cavity of one of the plurality of robot vehicles such that it is aligned with one of the storage columns, receiving a storage bin from the storage column into the cavity, and moving the robot vehicle along the bin storage system, using a plurality of rolling members attached to the vehicle body about the cavity that are arranged for travelling in a first direction and a perpendicular second direction along the bin storage system.