Dual-Arm Transport Robot for Multi-Level Goods Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for retrieving and placing goods are limited to single-level operations, unable to handle multi-level stacks, leading to wasted vertical space and increased costs due to multi-level rack designs.

Innovation Solution

A transport robot with a fork system featuring retractable fork arms and a tray that can independently extend and retract horizontally, allowing for the retrieval of goods at multiple levels, including middle and lower levels, by clamping and lifting goods from fixed shelves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If single-level retrieving and placing method is used, then the operation is simple, but the vertical space on the rack is wasted and multi-level stacked containers cannot be retrieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretrieving operation simplicityVSAvoidvertical space utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fork is divided into multiple independent fork arms (first fork arm, second fork arm, etc.) that can move independently. Each fork arm can extend and retract separately, allowing the robot to access containers at different levels simultaneously or sequentially, thus enabling multi-level retrieving while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fork arms are designed to be dynamically adjustable with independent extension and retraction capabilities. This dynamic structure allows the fork to adapt to different container levels and positions, enabling the robot to retrieve from multi-level stacks without complex rack designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-level rack design is implemented to facilitate goods retrieving, then goods at multiple levels can be accessed, but the cost of beams and shelf boards increases and shelf materials are wasteful

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-level goods access capabilityVSAvoidrack structure complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of building a complex multi-level rack structure, the invention segments the retrieving function into multiple independent fork arms. Each fork arm can independently access different levels, replacing the need for multiple fixed rack levels and reducing material usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fork with multiple retractable arms serves multiple functions: it can retrieve containers from single-level or multi-level stacks, access containers at different heights, and adapt to various container arrangements. This universal fork design replaces the need for specialized multi-level rack structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260042606A1Transport robot and method for controlling robot to retrieve goods

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD

AI summary

A transport robot includes a movable base, a frame arranged on the movable base, a first arm assembly arranged on the frame and a second arm assembly arranged on the frame and located above the first arm assembly. The first arm assembly is movable vertically along the frame and retractable horizontally relative to the frame, and the first arm assembly is configured to carry a first container. The second arm assembly is movable vertically along the frame and retractable horizontally relative to the frame, and the second arm assembly is configured to move a second container.