Grid Robot Wheel Reconfiguration for Variable Bin Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic object handling systems are limited by the need for containers of a specific 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 and independently movable wheels allows robotic load handling devices to operate on a grid above stacked containers, enabling the handling of containers with varying dimensions, including taller and larger formats, by adjusting wheel engagement and using devices that span multiple grid spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard containers of specific footprint and height are used, then system throughput and mechanical stability are maintained, but the handling of items with varying dimensions is constrained and space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handling device employs dynamically adjustable wheel sets that can change their engagement configuration with the grid rails. The wheel sets are positioned on perpendicular sides of the body and can be independently retracted or extended, allowing the device to adapt its footprint to match different container dimensions while maintaining operation on the fixed grid system
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel engagement system is segmented into multiple independently controllable wheel sets positioned on different sides of the device body. Each wheel set can be independently retracted or extended, allowing granular adjustment of the device's effective footprint to match various container sizes without requiring a completely different handling mechanism
2Volume of stationary object
If taller and larger containers are handled, then space utilization is improved, but the mechanical stability and system throughput may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel sets are designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation. When handling taller or larger containers, the wheel sets on perpendicular sides can be extended to provide broader support contact points with the grid rails, enhancing mechanical stability. During normal operation with standard containers, the wheel sets remain retracted to maintain system throughput and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of container dimensions before engagement. Based on this assessment, the wheel sets are pre-positioned in the appropriate extended or retracted configuration before the handling operation begins, ensuring optimal mechanical stability is already in place before the container is lifted or moved
3Adaptability or versatility
If wheel sets are independently retractable and driveable, then adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The independently controllable wheel sets serve multiple functions: they provide propulsion when engaged with the grid rails, provide structural support when extended, and can be retracted to reduce the device's effective footprint. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity despite the added adaptability
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.