Automated Cabin Transport via 2D Raster Guiding Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems struggle to provide a reliable and accurate method for transporting transport cabins across varied terrain and geometries, especially in rough conditions or at high inclinations, while minimizing ecological impact.

Innovation Solution

An automatable transport system comprising a guiding arrangement with at least one vehicle and a structure extending in two spatial directions. The structure features profile units and structural regularities, while the vehicle includes connection elements for coupling with the structure and enabling active motion in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional rail-track configurations are used for transporting cabins, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the system cannot provide high positional accuracy and cannot adapt to varied terrain and geometries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into multiple profile units arranged in a raster pattern, creating modular segments that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high positional accuracy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from traditional one-dimensional rail tracks to a two-dimensional raster structure with profile units arranged in both longitudinal and transverse directions. This dimensional expansion enables adaptation to varied terrain and geometries while providing precise positioning capabilities in multiple axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the guiding arrangement is designed to handle rough terrain and high inclinations, then the system becomes more adaptable, but the reliability and stability of transportation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidtransportation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle with multiple connection elements is designed to universally interface with the raster structure in various configurations, enabling the same system to handle different terrains and inclinations reliably. The multi-functional connection system maintains stability across diverse operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle connection elements can dynamically adjust their configuration and attachment points on the raster structure, allowing the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining reliable and stable transportation through real-time optimization of the connection geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual operation methods are used for cabin transport, then the system is simpler to operate, but productivity and automation level are low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is equipped with autonomous navigation and self-positioning capabilities, allowing it to automatically move along the raster structure and perform coupling operations without manual intervention. This self-service capability increases productivity while maintaining manageable system complexity through intelligent automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor vehicle position, terrain conditions, and connection status, enabling automated adjustment of transport parameters to optimize productivity while ensuring reliable operation through continuous monitoring and correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4530145A1Automatable system for the transport of transport cabins; logistics system and method for handling of a plurality of cabins
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 CEILIX AG
  • EP4530145A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4530145A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4530145A1 patent drawingFigure 2d~2j

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatable system for a transport of cabins, especially outdoors, characterized in that a guiding arrangement for transporting the transport cabins is arranged, wherein the guiding arrangement comprises: - at least one structure, - at least one vehicle, exhibiting a plurality of connection elements configured for guiding the vehicle and configured for coupling the vehicle to the at least one structure by means of de-/coupling kinematics depending on a relative motion of the vehicle with respect to the structure in a second spatial direction, enabling 2D-motion of the vehicles, wherein the at least one vehicle comprises at least one connection element, wherein the connection element is configured to connect to at least one of the transport cabins; and wherein the guiding arrangement is configured for active motion of the vehicle in said first spatial direction and/or said second spatial direction.