Grid Service Robot With Docking Latch for Warehouse Bot Rescue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic picking systems require manual intervention to repair or clean faulty load handling devices and grids, leading to increased downtime and costs due to the need to stop all devices and access the grid manually.
Innovation Solution
A robotic service device with independently movable wheels and a releasable latching mechanism that allows for automated movement and control of load handling devices, enabling the isolation and removal of faulty units and cleaning of the grid without stopping the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to repair or clean faulty load handling devices, then the system can be maintained, but the system must stop all devices and access the grid manually, leading to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The service device is autonomously controllable and can perform maintenance operations without human intervention. It navigates the grid independently, identifies faulty load handling devices, and executes repair or cleaning tasks automatically, allowing the system to maintain itself while minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The service device acts as an intermediary between the faulty load handling devices and the human operators. It performs the dangerous or time-consuming tasks of accessing and servicing devices on the grid, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing system downtime.
2Ease of repair
If manual access to the grid is required for maintenance, then repairs can be performed, but the cost increases due to safety procedures and manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The service device replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. It uses robotic mechanisms to perform repair and cleaning tasks that previously required human operators, reducing labor costs and improving repair efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs its own maintenance through the autonomous service device, eliminating the need for external human intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational costs and improves ease of repair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the service device has independently movable wheels, then it can navigate to any point on the grid, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service device uses dynamically adjustable wheel mechanisms that can be raised or lowered as needed. The wheels are independently movable, allowing the device to adapt its configuration for different navigation scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel mechanism is divided into independent, modular units that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows each wheel to be simplified in design while providing collective versatility for navigating to any point on the grid.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic service device is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may include a releasable docking mechanism to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The service device may also be provided with cleaning capability and a camera to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.