Grid Service Robot for Load Handler Rescue and Cleaning
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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 and grids, 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 on load handling devices without human intervention. The device can navigate the grid, identify faulty components, and execute repair or cleaning tasks independently, allowing the system to maintain itself while minimizing disruption to operational devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The service device acts as an intermediary between the faulty load handling devices and the maintenance personnel. It can isolate problematic components, perform preliminary repairs, and prepare the system for maintenance, 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 all load handling devices must be stopped, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The service device can perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning and minor repairs autonomously, allowing these operations to occur without stopping the load handling devices. This maintains productivity while ensuring regular maintenance is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The service device can isolate and work on individual faulty components or specific sections of the grid without requiring the entire system to shut down. This segmented approach allows maintenance on specific elements while other parts continue to operate, maintaining overall productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the service device has independently movable wheels, then it can move to any point on the grid by driving only one set of wheels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service device employs dynamically adjustable wheel mechanisms where the engagement of different wheel sets can be controlled based on the required movement direction. The system can switch between different wheel engagement configurations as needed, providing movement flexibility while managing complexity through controlled dynamics rather than permanent mechanical complexity.
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.