Driverless Transport Device Independent Wheel Steering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driverless transport devices face challenges in precisely aligning with pallets for collision-free pickup and delivery, leading to potential damage due to unforeseen pallet mispositioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a driverless transport device with independently driven and steerable wheel units, coordinated by an electronic control unit, along with sensor systems for obstacle detection, allows for precise movement and alignment, enabling collision-free operation and precise pallet handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If driverless transport device is used for automatic pallet handling, then productivity is improved, but risk of collision and damage increases due to unforeseen pallet mispositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device detects pallet position and alignment before the transport device attempts to pick up or deliver the pallet. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to plan and adjust the movement trajectory in advance, ensuring collision-free operation while maintaining automatic handling productivity.
2Measurement precision
If precise positioning system is implemented for collision-free pallet pickup, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with a sensor-based detection system combined with electronic control. The sensor device optically or non-contactly detects pallet position, and the control unit processes this information to control the transport device movement, achieving precise positioning with reduced mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If all wheel units are independently driven and steerable, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the drive units for movement, manages the steering of wheel units, coordinates sensor data processing, and regulates the lifting device. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive maneuverability while avoiding the need for separate complex control systems for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a driverless transport device (1) for the automatic conveying, picking up, and delivering of pallets (2), comprising a chassis (17) essentially U-shaped in plan view with two legs, wherein at least one steerable wheel unit (11) is arranged on each leg of the chassis. To enable gentle picking up, delivering, and transport of pallets, it is provided that at least one steerable wheel unit (11, 11') can be driven individually by at least one drive unit (7), wherein the steerable wheel unit (11, 11'), preferably each steerable wheel unit (11, 11'), has two wheels (7', 7").