Hook-Latch Docking Mechanism for Robot Guiding Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving apparatuses face difficulties in docking due to foreign materials getting caught in screw portions and occupy large space, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The moving apparatus features robot guiding rails with rollers and hook arms, a docking guiding rail system with a wedge-shaped roller and oblique surfaces, and a docking method involving a wire-driven mechanism that uses gravity to align and latch components, ensuring easy and space-efficient docking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bolt and nut engagement method is used for docking, then the docking connection is secure, but the space occupied by the docking module increases and foreign materials may be caught in screw portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking connection reliabilityVSAvoiddocking module space occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic screw portions and foreign material catching issues from the docking system by replacing the bolt-nut engagement method with a hook-latch mechanism. The docking module uses hooks that engage with latches on the opposing module, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and significantly reducing the space required for docking components while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a threaded engagement method where male and female threads screw together, the patent inverts the approach by using a hook-latch system where hooks engage over latches in a simple snap-fit manner. This inversion of the engagement mechanism eliminates complex threading operations and reduces docking module complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a bolt and nut engagement method is used for docking, then the docking connection is secure, but foreign materials may be caught in screw portions making docking difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking connection reliabilityVSAvoiddocking operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes screw portions and threaded fasteners from the docking system, replacing them with a hook-latch mechanism. This extraction of problematic elements eliminates foreign material entrapment issues while maintaining secure docking connections, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook-latch docking system is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching. The hooks automatically engage with latches when modules are brought together, and the system provides visual and mechanical feedback to confirm proper engagement, making the docking operation intuitive and error-resistant without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a traditional docking module is used, then the docking connection is secure, but the clearance space for working robot movement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking connection reliabilityVSAvoidclearance space for robot movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts unnecessary components from the docking system by eliminating bolt heads, nuts, and threaded portions, replacing them with a compact hook-latch mechanism. This reduction in docking module footprint increases the clearance space available for working robot movement while maintaining secure docking connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the docking function into specific hook and latch elements positioned at the interface between modules, rather than distributing fastening components throughout the docking module. This localized approach minimizes space occupancy and maximizes clearance for robot operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enables effortless docking while minimizing space occupation, reducing docking time and improving performance by using a precise alignment and latching mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a pair of first rollers included at a vicinity of the first end of the robot guiding rail and having a rotation axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9126331B2Moving apparatus and docking method between moving apparatuses

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 SAMSUNG HEAVY IND CO LTD

AI summary

A moving apparatus includes: robot guiding rails extended in a first direction to guide the working robot, and including first and second ends; first rollers included at a vicinity of the first end of the robot guiding rail and having a rotation axis in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; hook arms included at the vicinity of the first end of the robot guiding rail, and including hooks extended in the first direction and facing upwardly; hook latches included at a vicinity of the second end of the robot guiding rail, positioned at a position corresponding to the hook arm, and latched by the hooks of the hook arms at lower sides thereof; and docking guiding rails included at the vicinity of the second end of the robot guiding rail, extended in the first direction, and having an upper surface for guiding the first roller.