Floor-Level Pallet Lifting Assembly for AMR/AGV Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pallet lifting solutions, such as forklifts and pallet jacks, are inadequate for safely and efficiently loading pallets onto Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) or Automated Guide Vehicles (AGVs) due to height discrepancies, posing safety risks and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A pallet lifting assembly that allows pallets to be loaded at floor level, featuring a U-shaped receiver with a lifting mechanism on its side or back, enabling the assembly to raise pallets to a height compatible with AMRs or AGVs, accommodating various pallet sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a forklift is used to load pallets onto AMRs or AGVs, then the pallet can be transported, but safety risks increase and operational costs increase due to human error and personnel requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The AMR or AGV performs the pallet loading operation autonomously by driving underneath the elevated pallet receiver and receiving the pallet directly, eliminating the need for external forklift operation and human intervention in the loading process
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of a forklift is replaced by an automated system where the AMR/AGV autonomously positions itself beneath the receiver and receives the pallet through a controlled lowering mechanism, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated vehicle-based systems
2Length of stationary object
If a pallet jack is used to lift pallets, then the pallet can be raised slightly, but the pallet cannot be raised high enough to be loaded onto the flat top of an AMR or AGV
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed with dynamic lifting capability through a lifting mechanism that can elevate the receiver to various heights, allowing adaptation to different AMR/AGV flat top heights and enabling the system to overcome the limited lifting range of static pallet jacks
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds vertical dimensionality to the pallet loading process by using a receiver that can be elevated to different heights, transforming the limited horizontal lifting of a pallet jack into a multi-level vertical lifting capability that matches the height requirements of AMR/AGV platforms
3Ease of operation
If the flat top of an AMR or AGV is positioned low to facilitate pallet loading, then pallet loading becomes easier, but the vehicle cannot pass under obstacles or navigate tight spaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The loading function is segmented into two independent components: a stationary receiver that handles pallet reception at floor level and a movable AMR/AGV that positions itself underneath. This separation allows the receiver to remain low for easy pallet access while the vehicle can elevate itself to load the pallet without compromising navigation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver acts as an intermediary between the pallet and the AMR/AGV, providing a floor-level interface for pallet placement and then elevating to transfer the pallet to the vehicle. This intermediary mechanism resolves the conflict between low-level pallet access and high-level vehicle platform requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet lifting assembly and method thereof is provided for enabling the pallet lifting assembly to place a pallet atop an unmanned autonomous vehicle, such as an AMR or AGV. There is a pallet receiver positioned at or closely adjacent floor level, wherein the pallet receiver is configured to receive at least one pallet thereon and the pallet is adapted to support items thereon once received by the pallet receiver. There may be a guide system on the pallet receiver that accommodates different sized pallets. A lifting mechanism may raise the pallet receiver from floor level to a sufficient height that permits unmanned autonomous vehicle to move beneath the pallet receiver and the receiver be lowered to place the pallet atop the unmanned autonomous vehicle.