Driverless Transport Vehicle Variable Support Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driverless transport systems for pallets between processing and packaging stations require extensive maneuvering and relocation efforts, with limited flexibility and increased costs due to the need for stationary conveyor elements, which restricts system adaptability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A driverless transport system with vehicles equipped with at least two variable support areas for pallets, allowing for efficient transfer and relocation of loads between processing stations without stationary conveyor segments, enabling flexible routing and autonomous operation with optional handling elements for pallet exchange and positioning changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If driverless transport vehicles with multiple support areas are used, then system flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases due to variable support area configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicle is divided into multiple independent support areas (first support area and second support area) that can be independently configured and positioned. Each support area can be independently adjusted to accommodate different load types and dimensions, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring a completely new vehicle design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support areas are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable during operation. The positions of the support areas can be changed while the vehicle is in operation, allowing the system to adapt to varying production requirements in real-time without stopping the transport process.
2Ease of manufacture
If stationary conveyor elements are eliminated, then infrastructure costs are reduced and accessibility is improved, but maneuvering and relocation efforts of transport vehicles increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicles are pre-equipped with multiple support areas and handling elements before deployment. This preliminary configuration allows them to perform multiple operations (transport, transfer, positioning) without requiring stationary infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for expensive conveyor installations while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicles are designed to be self-sufficient with integrated handling elements that enable them to load, unload, and transfer loads independently without relying on stationary conveyor systems. This self-service capability eliminates infrastructure dependencies and reduces overall system costs.
3Productivity
If loads are exchanged between support areas during movement, then productivity is improved, but measurement and control precision must be maintained to ensure accurate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the positions of the support areas and the loads they carry, providing real-time feedback to adjust for any positioning deviations. This feedback mechanism ensures that even during dynamic load exchanges, the positioning precision is maintained within required tolerances, enabling high productivity without sacrificing accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system (12) has multiple processing stations (14) with overloading regions (16), where loads (20) i.e. assembled pallets, of definite sizes are transported between the processing stations by driverless transport vehicles (18). The transport vehicles include two definite support regions (22) for the loads. The two definite support regions of each transport vehicle are variably occupied with the loads relative to the overloading regions of each processing station. The loads provided in the support regions of the transport vehicles are transferred into other support regions. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling a production and/or packaging system.