Guarded Robot Loading Interface for Safe Object Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile robot logistics systems lack robust communication and safety measures for precise and efficient loading and unloading of objects, particularly with heavy or ungainly items, often resulting in delays, damage, or injury, and are not universally compatible.
Innovation Solution
A logistics arrangement featuring a guard module that operates in closed and open modes, facilitated by direct communication between the mobile robot and the guard module, using proximity and conveying detection means, and a control unit to manage the physical barrier, ensuring safe and fast object transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing mobile robot logistics systems are used without additional safety measures, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and reliability of loading and unloading operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules: mobile robots for transport, fixed loading structures for storage, and guard modules for safety control. Each module operates semi-autonomously with defined communication protocols, allowing the safety function to be added without redesigning the entire system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The guard module acts as an intermediary safety component between mobile robots and loading structures. It mediates the interaction by controlling physical barriers and communication signals, ensuring safe object transfer without requiring direct complex interaction between robots and structures.
2Reliability
If robust communication and safety measures are implemented for precise loading and unloading, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guard module serves multiple functions: it controls physical barriers for safety, detects robot presence through sensors, manages communication protocols, and coordinates object transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where guard modules detect robot presence and status, communicate this information to the control system, and adjust barrier positions accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise coordination without requiring overly complex predictive control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If guard modules with physical barriers are deployed at loading structures, then safety during object transfer improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical barriers in guard modules are designed to be dynamically controllable, moving between blocked and open positions based on real-time operational needs. This dynamic control allows the same structure to provide both safety when needed and unobstructed access during normal operation, rather than requiring permanently fixed barriers.
4Productivity
If direct communication between mobile robots and guard modules is implemented, then operation speed and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Mobile robots are equipped with integrated communication capabilities that allow them to directly initiate and manage communication with guard modules autonomously. The robots can independently signal their presence, status, and readiness for transfer without requiring centralized mediation, enabling faster response times.
Data Source
AI summary
A logistics arrangement for conveying objects between different locations is provided herein. The logistics arrangement comprises a loading structure having a first storage area, a mobile robot having a second storage area, and a guard module arranged at the loading structure. The guard module is configured to be operated in a closed mode and an open mode.