Grid-Based Robotic Vehicle for Inter-Site Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently transferring large numbers of storage containers between different locations, particularly in scenarios where demand varies across geographical areas, leading to stock imbalances.
Innovation Solution
The proposed object handling system features a grid structure with perpendicular rails above a workspace containing stacked containers, utilizing robotic load handling devices with independently movable wheels to engage with the rails, allowing for efficient movement and transfer of containers between different locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If freestanding stacks of containers are arranged in rows to reduce storage volume, then storage density is improved, but access to specific containers becomes difficult without complicated hoisting mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic load handler serves as an intermediary device between the stacked containers and the external environment. The handler includes a gripper that can selectively grasp containers at any height in the stack and transfer them to/from vehicles, eliminating the need for complicated hoisting mechanisms while maintaining high storage density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hoisting mechanisms with a robotic system that uses a controllable gripper actuated by pneumatic or electric means. This substitution simplifies the access mechanism while enabling precise container retrieval from any position in the stack
2Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic load handler with a tall tube is used to extract containers from high stacks, then container retrieval capability is improved, but the maximum stack height is restricted by the enclosed space
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic load handler is designed with dynamic capabilities including vertical movement along guides and rotatable arms that can reach containers at any height in the stack. The gripper can be positioned vertically along the stack and horizontally across multiple stacks, enabling extraction from high stacks without requiring the handler tube to be as tall as the maximum stack height
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces horizontal movement capability in addition to vertical movement. The load handler can move horizontally across multiple stacks and vertically along guides to reach any container position, transforming a single-dimension (vertical) access problem into a two-dimension (horizontal and vertical) solution that overcomes height restrictions
3Productivity
If multiple robotic load handlers are deployed to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each robotic load handler is designed as a universal device capable of serving multiple stacks and performing various operations (picking, placing, transferring containers). The handlers can be dynamically assigned to different stacks based on demand, allowing a smaller number of multi-functional handlers to achieve high throughput without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle for use with an object handling system, the object handling system including two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a first grid, a plurality of first uprights supporting the first grid, a plurality of containers arranged in stacks, each stack being located underneath the first grid, one or more robotic load handling devices configured to drive on top of the rails of the first grid, the one or more load handling devices including means for removing or replacing at least one container from the stacks. The vehicle includes two substantially perpendicular sets of rails forming a second grid substantially at the top of the vehicle above a storage space for carrying containers. The second grid interfaces with the first grid to allow the one or more load handling devices to drive from the rails of the first grid onto the rails of the second grid.