Dual Rescue Vehicles for Stable Malfunctioning Rail Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic service vehicles for retrieving malfunctioning vehicles from rail systems in automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges due to high lifting capacity requirements and instability during transport, especially when the malfunctioning vehicle carries a heavy load.
Innovation Solution
A rescue system utilizing two remotely operated rescue vehicles, each with a lifting device on opposite sides, operates in tandem to lift a malfunctioning vehicle off the rail system, providing stability and reducing the need for a manned service vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single robotic service vehicle is used to lift a malfunctioning vehicle, then the lifting capacity requirement increases, but the system complexity and stability during transport deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue operation is divided into two independent robotic service vehicles instead of one vehicle performing all functions. Each vehicle is equipped with its own lifting device, allowing the system to share the lifting capacity requirement while maintaining operational independence and reducing individual vehicle complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Two robotic service vehicles work together in coordinated tandem operation to perform the rescue task. By merging their lifting capabilities and coordinating their actions, they achieve stable transport of the malfunctioning vehicle while reducing the power requirement for each individual vehicle compared to a single-vehicle solution.
2Power
If a single robotic service vehicle lifts a malfunctioning vehicle, then the lifting capacity requirement increases, but the stability during transport worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented across two vehicles, with each vehicle providing lifting support from opposite sides. This distribution of lifting responsibility improves transport stability by creating a balanced support structure, while each vehicle's individual lifting capacity requirement is reduced.
Solution Approach 2:
The two robotic service vehicles are positioned on opposite sides of the malfunctioning vehicle, creating a symmetric support configuration. This asymmetric positioning relative to the malfunctioning vehicle's centerline provides stable transport by distributing loads evenly and preventing rotational instability during movement.
3Power
If two robotic service vehicles operate in tandem, then the lifting capacity requirement for individual vehicles is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rescue system is segmented into two specialized robotic service vehicles, each with reduced lifting capacity requirements compared to a single-vehicle solution. This segmentation allows for simpler, more manageable individual vehicle designs while maintaining overall system effectiveness through coordinated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A rescue system for retrieving a malfunctioning vehicle from a rail system of an automated storage and retrieval system includes a first rescue vehicle and a second rescue vehicle. The rail system includes a plurality of rails with tracks extending in an X-direction and a plurality of rails with tracks extending in a Y-direction perpendicular to the X-direction, and a plurality of remotely operated vehicles configured to move in the X and Y-directions on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The first rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on one side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a first X-direction. The second rescue vehicle is configured to run on the tracks of the rail system. The second rescue vehicle is provided with a lifting device on an opposite side of the vehicle, which faces for engagement in a second X-direction opposite to the first X-direction. The first and second rescue vehicles are configured to work in tandem so that when one of the plurality of remotely operated vehicles malfunctions, the first and second rescue vehicles can position themselves on the rail system on opposite sides of the malfunctioning vehicle to engage their respective lifting devices with the opposite sides of the malfunctioning vehicle. The first and second rescue vehicles operate their lifting devices simultaneously so as to lift the malfunctioning vehicle off the rail system and transport the malfunctioning vehicle.