Cam-Driven Guided Vehicle for Dual-Direction Pallet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided vehicles for transporting pallets in rack structures are complex, costly, and inefficient due to their single-direction movement and multiple actuator mechanisms, leading to high manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A guided vehicle with a cam system actuated by a motor, featuring a single mechanism for simultaneous movement in two directions and lifting operations, using a cam system with synchronized wheels and a control unit for precise positioning, reducing component count and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a shuttle is used that linearly moves on main rails in one direction with a runner for accessing side aisles, then the main purpose of pallet transport is fulfilled, but the shuttle complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the shuttle body and the runner into a single integrated vehicle structure. The vehicle includes a body for moving on main rails and an integrated runner mechanism that allows access to side aisles without requiring a separate shuttle component, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining dual-directional transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is designed with multi-functionality to perform both main rail transport and side aisle access using a single integrated structure. The body and runner are combined into one vehicle that can operate in both directions, eliminating the need for specialized separate components and reducing manufacturing complexity
2Ease of operation
If a shuttle with platforms and wheels is used with separate actuator mechanisms for vertical wheel movement and platform movement, then the required movements are achieved, but the number of components increases and manufacturing/maintenance costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated actuator mechanism. This single mechanism simultaneously controls the vertical movement of wheels on the main rail and the vertical movement of the loading platform, eliminating the need for separate actuator mechanisms and reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to perform both wheel elevation and platform elevation tasks. By integrating these functions into one mechanism, the system achieves the required movement capabilities while reducing the number of components and associated manufacturing and maintenance costs
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
Simplifies operations and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs by enabling simultaneous loading/unloading and transport with a single vehicle, while maintaining efficient movement and positioning accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the driving means comprise a cam system actuated by motor means, the cam system being provided with a plurality of cams such that the movement of the cam is linked to the upwards and downwards movement of the platform, the upwards and downwards movement of the first plurality of wheels and the upwards and downwards movement of the second plurality of wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a guided vehicle for transporting pallets intended to be moved through a rack structure in a first direction and in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, comprising a frame provided with a first plurality of wheels provided for moving the frame in the first direction, and a second plurality of wheels provided to move the frame in the second direction, and a loading platform. In addition, driving means configured to lift the loading platform are provided, controlled by a control unit, the upwards and downwards movement of the loading platform able to be linked to the upwards and downwards movement of the first plurality of wheels. The driving means comprise a cam system actuated by motor means, the cam system being provided with a plurality of cams in such a way that the spatial position of the cams defines three operating positions.