Front-Connected Cargo Box Pull-Out Mechanism for Dense Warehousing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transport robots require large operating spaces for carrying goods boxes, wasting warehouse storage space and reducing storage density due to the need for reserved spaces on the sides, bottom, and above the boxes.

Innovation Solution

A goods box take-out device with a take-out assembly connected to the front surface of the box, utilizing a transmission mechanism with fixed and movable wheel assemblies and a belt to minimize space requirements, allowing the assembly to extend into the shelving unit and lift the box without needing additional horizontal or vertical space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gripping arms are used to carry goods boxes, then the goods box can be securely held and transported, but large operating space needs to be reserved on both sides of the goods box, wasting storage space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods box holding reliabilityVSAvoidwarehouse storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal gripping (requiring side clearance) to vertical insertion (requiring only bottom clearance). The fork-shaped gripping arm is inserted vertically into the goods box from below, changing the dimension of approach from lateral to vertical, thereby reducing the horizontal space requirement while maintaining secure holding capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a fork is inserted into the bottom of the goods box, then the goods box can be lifted and transported, but space needs to be reserved between the bottom of the goods box and the shelving unit for fork insertion, and space above the goods box is needed for movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegoods box lifting reliabilityVSAvoidwarehouse storage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a movable gripping arm that can dynamically adjust its position. The gripping arm is connected via a rotating connection to the support beam, allowing it to move between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when carrying goods). This dynamic capability eliminates the need for permanent clearance space above the goods box, as the arm only occupies space during the actual lifting operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If large operating space is reserved for transport robot operations, then the robot can freely maneuver and carry goods boxes, but the storage density of the warehouse is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobot operation flexibilityVSAvoidwarehouse storage density
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the gripping function into a dedicated fork-shaped gripping arm that can be independently controlled and repositioned. This segmented design allows the robot to maintain gripping capability while reducing the overall space requirement, as the gripping arm can be retracted when not in use and only extends when needed for picking or placing goods boxes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4151557B1Cargo box pull-out mechanism, device and method, and transfer robot
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP4151557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4151557B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4151557B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The embodiments of this application provide a goods box take-out mechanism, device, and method, and a transport robot, belong to the field of transport robot technologies, and are intended to resolve the problem of wasting part of storage space of the warehouse when the current transport robots are used to carry goods boxes. The goods box take-out device includes a take-out assembly that is connected to a front surface of a to-be-transferred goods box and that can take out the goods box from a warehousing shelving unit. Since the take-out assembly is connected to the front surface of the to-be-transferred goods box, there is no need to reserve space below, above, or on left and right sides of the goods box for insertion and movement of the take-out assembly. Therefore, the storage space of the warehouse is fully utilized, and the storage density of the warehouse is improved.