Partitioned Elevator Car With Movable Rail for AGV Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing elevator systems that accommodate both automated guided vehicles and people are inefficient due to the need for multiple movable rails and actuators per story, leading to increased parts, maintenance, and costs.

Innovation Solution

An elevator system with a movable rail in a second space for unmanned transport vehicles, actuated by an actuator to switch between connected and disconnected states, eliminating the need for multiple movable rails and actuators per story.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple movable rails and actuators are installed per story to accommodate automated guided vehicles, then the elevator can transport unmanned transport vehicles, but the number of parts and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to transport unmanned transport vehiclesVSAvoidnumber of movable rails and actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable rail is designed to serve dual purposes: it acts as a guide rail for automated guided vehicles during normal operation and can be repositioned to serve as a stop or transfer point for unmanned transport vehicles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated rails for each vehicle type, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining versatility in transporting both people and automated vehicles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable rail can be dynamically repositioned along the elevator car using an actuator mechanism. Instead of having fixed rails for each function, the system uses a single movable rail that can be adjusted to different positions based on the operation mode (passenger mode or automated vehicle mode), thereby reducing the number of static components needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple actuators are installed per story to control movable rails, then the elevator can precisely control unmanned transport vehicle positions, but maintenance costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in controlling unmanned transport vehicle positionsVSAvoidmaintenance costs and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of installing multiple independent actuators at different stories, the patent merges the actuator function into a single unit that controls the movable rail's position along the entire elevator car. This single actuator can serve multiple stories by repositioning the movable rail to appropriate locations, thereby reducing the total number of actuators from multiple per story to just one or a few actuators total, which significantly reduces maintenance complexity and costs while maintaining precise positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a partition divides the elevator carriage into separate spaces, then people and unmanned transport vehicles can be accommodated simultaneously, but the elevator design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate both people and unmanned transport vehiclesVSAvoidelevator design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partition between the first space (for people) and second space (for unmanned transport vehicles) is designed to be movable rather than fixed. This movable partition can be repositioned or removed based on the operation mode, allowing the elevator to flexibly adapt between passenger-only mode and automated vehicle mode. This dynamic design enables multi-functionality without requiring completely separate elevator cars, thereby managing design complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator carriage is designed with universal spaces that can serve different purposes. The first space can accommodate both people and unmanned transport vehicles depending on the configuration, and the movable partition allows these spaces to be reconfigured. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for entirely separate elevator systems for different vehicle types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate diverse users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260035210A1Elevator and delivery system

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA

AI summary

An elevator includes: an elevator carriage that moves up and down; a partition that divides a space within the elevator carriage into a first elevator space for a person to board and a second elevator space for an unmanned transport vehicle to board; an elevator rail that includes a movable rail and is arranged in the second elevator space; and an actuator that moves the movable rail. The unmanned transport vehicle travels along the elevator rail, and the movable rail is switched between a first rail state and a second rail state by actuation of an actuator. In the first rail state, the first end of the movable rail is connected to the second end of the story rail, and in the second rail state, the first end is not connected to the second end.