Guiding Vehicle and Self-Propelled Cart Navigation in Tight Intralogistics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional forklifts are limited in their ability to handle items other than pallets, require large clearance, and pose safety risks, while manual carts are labor-intensive and have load capacity limitations in intralogistics systems.

Innovation Solution

A remote-controlled or autonomous guiding vehicle that connects to self-propelled load-bearing carts, providing navigation data and electrical energy, and maintaining constant traction to securely guide and navigate the carts, allowing for efficient transportation of loads in intralogistics systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If forklifts are used for transporting loads, then load handling capability is improved, but safety risks and clearance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent but cooperating components: a self-propelled cart that carries the load and a separate guiding vehicle that provides navigation and control. This segmentation allows the load-bearing cart to be optimized for carrying capacity while the guiding vehicle can be equipped with advanced navigation sensors and control systems, reducing safety risks through better visibility and control without compromising load handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding vehicle acts as an intermediary between the operator and the self-propelled cart. It receives navigation data from the cart's drive wheels and encoders, processes this information, and provides guidance commands back to the cart. This intermediary role enables safer operation by separating the heavy load-bearing function from the navigation and control functions, allowing for better safety monitoring and control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual carts are used for transporting loads, then safety risks are reduced, but labor intensity and load capacity limitations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety risksVSAvoidlabor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-propelled cart is equipped with its own drive wheels, motors, and encoders that enable it to move autonomously under the control of the guiding vehicle. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual pushing or pulling, significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining safety benefits. The cart can handle heavier loads beyond human capacity limits while requiring minimal human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical pushing/pulling action is replaced by an automated system consisting of the self-propelled cart's drive mechanism and the guiding vehicle's navigation system. The guiding vehicle uses sensors, processors, and communication systems to automatically control the cart's movement, replacing human physical effort with automated mechanical and electronic systems that can handle heavier loads with greater efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If forklifts are used for transporting loads, then load handling capability is improved, but clearance requirements and adaptability to specific uses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload handling capabilityVSAvoidclearance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the load-bearing cart from the guiding vehicle, the system allows the cart to be optimized for specific load types and sizes without requiring the larger clearance of a traditional forklift. The guiding vehicle, being smaller and more maneuverable, can navigate tighter spaces while the cart handles the load, thereby reducing overall clearance requirements while maintaining load handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The self-propelled cart can be designed with universal features such as adjustable platforms, various attachment points, and standardized connection interfaces that allow it to handle different types of loads (pallets, individual items, bulk materials) without requiring different equipment. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to specific uses while maintaining a compact design that requires less clearance than traditional forklifts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11772540B2Navigator

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 FQ IP AB

AI summary

A guiding vehicle (100) for an intralogistics system, wherein the guiding vehicle (100) is remote controlled or autonomous and configured to be connected to a self-propelled load bearing cart (200), and guide and control the propulsion of the self-propelled load bearing cart (200) such that the load bearing cart (200) can transport a load in the intralogistics system. The guiding vehicle (100) comprising a mechanical connector (170) for mechanically connecting the guiding vehicle (100) to the load bearing cart (200) and a connector for transferring data. The guiding vehicle (100) is configured to receive navigation data from the self-propelled load bearing cart (200), using the connector for transferring data, in the form of information concerning the movement of a drive wheel of the load bearing cart (200) obtained from at least one motor of the load bearing cart (200) or from at least one encoder connected to the drive wheel.