Grid Rail Bin Handling for Variable Container Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic object handling systems are limited by the need for containers to have a specified footprint and height, constraining the handling of items that do not fit within standard containers, leading to inefficient use of space and increased manual handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic object handling system with a grid-based rail system allowing for the use of containers of varying sizes, featuring load handling devices with independently movable wheels that can engage with perpendicular rails, enabling movement and lifting of containers of different dimensions without height constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If containers of varying sizes are used, then space utilization and handling versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for independently movable wheels and adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling device employs dynamically adjustable wheel mechanisms that can independently engage or disengage from rails based on the container size being handled. The wheels are positioned on extendable arms that can be adjusted to accommodate different container dimensions, allowing the same device to handle both standard and non-standard containers without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The load handling device is designed as a universal handler capable of accommodating multiple container types through its adjustable wheel mechanism. The device can switch between handling standard containers (engaging two rails) and non-standard containers (engaging one or two rails with adjusted wheel positions), eliminating the need for separate handling systems for different container categories.
2Length of moving object
If the tube height is increased to accommodate taller stacks, then container extraction capability is improved, but the system occupies more vertical space and becomes less suitable for enclosed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling system is divided into multiple independent load handling devices, each responsible for a specific grid space. Instead of using one tall tube to access all stack heights, multiple shorter devices operate independently on the same horizontal plane, eliminating the need for excessive vertical clearance while maintaining full access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from vertical dimensionality (tall tube accessing high stacks) to horizontal dimensionality (multiple devices on grid). By distributing the handling capacity across multiple devices operating on the same level rather than stacking functionality vertically, the system achieves the same operational capability with reduced vertical space requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard container footprints are required, then device design is simplified, but the system cannot handle items that do not fit within standard containers
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic changing of operational parameters, specifically the wheel engagement configuration, to accommodate different container types. For standard containers, the device engages two rails with wheels in fixed positions. For non-standard containers, the wheel positions and engagement pattern can be adjusted, enabling the same device to adapt to varying container dimensions without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic object handling system and robotic load handling device for operation thereon is disclosed. The object handling system includes a number of robotic load handling devices operational on a grid-like structure, the structure having sets of parallel tracks, disposed above a hive of stacked bins. The bins contain inventory items to be picked by the system. Load handling devices capable of carrying multiple bins of a single grid-spacing size or single bins of a multiple grid spacings are operational on the grid and retrieve and transport bins under the control of a computerised order picking utility.