Grid Rail Robot Handling for Tall and Wide Storage Bins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic object handling systems are limited by the constraint of container height and footprint, which restricts 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 and independently movable wheels allows robotic load handling devices to operate on a grid above stacked containers, enabling the handling of containers with varying heights and cross-sectional areas by adjusting wheel engagement and size, accommodating both standard and larger items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If robotic load handling devices are designed with fixed body dimensions to operate on grid rails, then the devices can be moved to any position on the grid, but the height of containers that can be handled is constrained by the device body dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling device is divided into a mobile body portion that travels on rails and a separate container engagement portion that can be positioned at different heights. The body contains a cavity that can accommodate containers of varying heights, while the mobile platform allows the device to reach any grid position independently of container height requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds vertical dimension flexibility by allowing containers of different heights within the device body cavity, while horizontal movement is achieved through rail-based translation. This separates the constraints of horizontal positioning from vertical container accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic load handling device body is sized to accommodate taller containers, then larger items can be handled, but the device becomes larger and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the containment function (body cavity) from the locomotion function (wheel-rail interface). The body cavity is sized to accommodate larger containers when needed, while the wheel assembly remains relatively compact and is independently controllable, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device body is designed with a universal cavity that can accommodate containers of varying sizes and heights. The same basic device structure handles both standard and larger containers, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Volume of stationary object
If containers of varying heights and cross-sectional areas are handled, then space utilization improves, but the system can only use containers of one specified footprint in traditional designs
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel engagement system is made dynamic and adjustable, allowing the device to adapt to containers of different footprints. The independent control of wheel sets enables the device to position itself correctly for containers with varying cross-sectional areas, maximizing space utilization in the storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows variation in container parameters (height, cross-sectional area, footprint) while maintaining compatibility with the same handling device. The device body dimensions and wheel positioning are adjusted to accommodate different container specifications, enabling flexible space utilization.
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.