Dual-Mode Material Handling Cart for Human and Automated Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials handling systems lack a unified solution for transporting materials using both self-driving vehicles and human operators, as existing systems are not compatible due to different interfaces and preferences.
Innovation Solution
A cart system architecture that allows for human-driven or self-driving vehicle operation, featuring a chassis with a horizontal engagement bar for self-driving vehicle engagement, rear wheel locking mechanism, and sensors for detection, enabling seamless transition between human and automated transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cart is designed for human operation, then it is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be used with self-driving vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The cart is designed with dual functionality to accommodate both human operators and self-driving vehicles. Key features include a standardized engagement bar interface that can be interacted with by both manual and automated systems, a brake lever that can be actuated by either human hand or automated mechanism, and a chassis structure that supports both pushing and automated lifting operations. This multi-functionality allows the same cart design to serve multiple purposes without requiring separate specialized carts for each operation type.
Solution Approach 2:
The cart design separates critical functional elements into distinct, modular components. The engagement bar is a separate horizontal element that can be engaged by self-driving vehicles without interfering with the handle assembly used by human operators. The brake mechanism is integrated into the handle but can be independently actuated. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function while maintaining overall system compatibility with both human and automated operation modes.
2Productivity
If a cart is designed for automated operation, then productivity increases, but it becomes incompatible with traditional human-operated materials handling
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement bar serves as an intermediary interface between the self-driving vehicle and the cart. This horizontal bar provides a standardized mechanical interface that the automated vehicle can engage and lift the cart, while simultaneously being positioned and designed in a way that does not interfere with human operators who push the cart from behind. The brake lever acts as another intermediary, providing a mechanical interface that can be actuated by either human hand pressure or automated mechanical arms, bridging the gap between manual and automated control systems.
3Extent of automation
If the engagement bar is positioned to allow self-driving vehicle lifting, then automated transport is enabled, but the lifting height may affect payload stability
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement bar is positioned at a specific location on the cart frame that optimizes both automated lifting and payload stability. It is placed high enough on the vertical posts to provide adequate clearance for the self-driving vehicle to drive underneath and engage the bar, yet low enough and forward enough in the longitudinal direction to maintain proper weight distribution during lifting. This localized positioning creates an optimal compromise point that satisfies both automation requirements and stability constraints for the payload being transported.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for transporting objects using a cart that is driven by human action or self-driving vehicle is disclosed. The cart system and method comprises a chassis portion supporting a payload to be moved by the cart. The cart system further comprises of a first side rail and a second side rail. A first front wheel and first rear wheel is attached to the first side rail and a second front wheel and second rear wheel is attached to the second rail. The handle portion pushes the cart which comprises of a handle bar supported by vertical support members. The brake actuator is used to engage and release the brakes on the rear wheel. A horizontal engagement bar is used which comprises of a plurality of engagement pads. A payload-bearing surface bears payload such that the payload can be transported by the cart.