Guide-Load Unit Coupling for Autonomous Intralogistics Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional forklifts are limited by their size and labor intensity, while manual carts are adaptable but labor-dependent and incompatible with pallet-based systems, lacking efficient autonomous or remote-controlled connectivity in intralogistics.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled guide unit connects to a self-propelled load bearing unit, using engaging elements and an actuator to stabilize and lift, enabling autonomous or remote-controlled movement and control, with electrical connectors for signal transfer, allowing efficient navigation and load handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional forklifts are used for transporting goods, then load capacity and efficiency are improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to specific uses and sizes of transported items
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent self-propelled units: a guide unit (controlling device) and a load bearing unit (transport device). This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently - the guide unit for control and navigation, and the load bearing unit for carrying various loads, thereby achieving both high productivity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The self-propelled guide unit is designed as a universal controlling device that can connect to and control different types of self-propelled load bearing units. The guide unit serves multiple functions including navigation, control signal transmission, and system coordination, making it adaptable to various transport scenarios while maintaining efficient operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual carts are used for transporting items, then adaptability to specific uses is improved, but labor intensity increases and maximum load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Both the guide unit and load bearing unit are self-propelled, eliminating the need for human operators to physically push or pull the carts. The system serves itself by using automated propulsion mechanisms on both units, thereby maintaining the adaptability of manual carts while dramatically reducing labor intensity and increasing load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The self-propelled guide unit acts as an intermediary between the control system and the load bearing unit. It receives control commands and transmits them to the load bearing unit, enabling automated operation that combines the adaptability of manual carts with the efficiency of motorized transport
3Ease of operation
If manual carts are used for transporting goods, then labor intensity is reduced compared to forklifts, but compatibility with pallet-based logistic systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the control function (guide unit) from the transport function (load bearing unit), the system can maintain simple automated operation while the load bearing unit is designed with compatibility features for pallet-based systems, achieving both ease of operation and system compatibility
4Stability of the object's composition
If the guide unit remains on the floor surface during connection, then stability is maintained, but engagement precision and alignment with the load bearing unit deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator performs preliminary action by moving the engaging elements into the engaged position before final connection is established. This preliminary movement ensures precise alignment and engagement between the guide unit and load bearing unit, while the connection stability is maintained through the mechanical engagement of the elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static configuration (both units on the floor) to a dynamic configuration where the guide unit is lifted during connection. This dynamic adjustment enables precise engagement of the elements, and after connection, the system stabilizes into a new static configuration with the guide unit elevated, maintaining both precision and stability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a stable, efficient, and adaptable solution for intralogistics by enabling the self-propelled guide unit to control and navigate the load bearing unit, improving safety and reducing labor intensity through autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
By having the actuator moving the at least one engaging element in a direction towards the floor surface the engaging elements of the self-propelled guide unit can vertically engage the engaging elements of the self-propelled load bearing unit such that gravity can assist in aligning and stabilizing the self-propelled guide unit during connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled guide unit configured to connect to and guide a self-propelled load bearing unit, such that the self-propelled load bearing unit can travel on a floor surface when the self-propelled guide unit and the self-propelled load bearing unit are connected. The self-propelled guide unit being configured to receive at least one parameter from the self-propelled load bearing unit, use the at least one parameter in the generation of a control signal, and transmit the generated control signal to the self-propelled load bearing unit for controlling the propulsion of the self-propelled load bearing unit.