Inertia-Based Load Transfer Vehicle for Automated Sortation Handoffs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently moving unit loads from vehicles to unit load receiving devices, particularly in sorting systems and distribution centers, without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A self-controlling vehicle equipped with a running gear, drive device, and vehicle control function that follows a target trajectory and adjusts velocity vectors to transfer unit loads to a receiving device using mass inertia, with a logistics system that includes a central device for control and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to move unit loads from vehicles to receiving devices, then process safety can be ensured, but productivity is reduced and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with an automated control system that independently determines the transfer trajectory and controls the transfer process without manual intervention. The control system uses sensors to detect the receiving device position and automatically adjusts the transfer path, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining safety through automated control protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the vehicle position, receiving device location, and transfer process parameters. This feedback information is processed by the control system to dynamically adjust the transfer trajectory and ensure safe, accurate delivery of unit loads, replacing manual monitoring with automated detection and correction mechanisms
2Productivity
If complex automated systems are implemented for automated transfer, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it determines the transfer trajectory, controls vehicle movement, monitors sensor data, and adjusts transfer parameters. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified control architecture, increasing productivity while managing overall system complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the trajectory determination function, vehicle control function, and transfer execution into an integrated automated system. By merging these functions into a coordinated control process rather than separate independent systems, the solution achieves high productivity while avoiding the complexity that would result from multiple disconnected automated components
3Manufacturing precision
If the vehicle follows a precise target trajectory for accurate transfer, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the duration of action increases due to trajectory adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The control system determines the complete transfer trajectory in advance before the vehicle begins movement. By pre-calculating the optimal path that accounts for vehicle position, receiving device location, and motion constraints, the system eliminates real-time trajectory adjustments during execution, achieving both high precision and efficient transfer timing
Solution Approach 2:
The trajectory is dynamically optimized based on real-time conditions such as vehicle speed, acceleration capabilities, and receiving device position. The control system adjusts trajectory parameters to balance precision requirements with time efficiency, ensuring accurate transfer while minimizing unnecessary movements and transfer duration
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
Enables efficient, automated transfer of unit loads to receiving devices with minimal energy consumption and reliable process safety, optimizing the logistics process.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer acceleration of the vehicle at least in a section comprising the target transfer point in which the unit load located on the receiving component of the vehicle is moved by its mass inertia onto the unit load receiving device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle (1) for transferring a unit load to a unit load receiving device (100), comprising: a running gear (5), a drive device (30), which drives the running gear on the basis of control commands for adjusting a velocity vector of the vehicle (1) and a vehicle frame (10) with a receiving component (7) for receiving the unit load (L), wherein: the vehicle (1) comprises a vehicle system (S) with a vehicle control function (50), wherein the vehicle control function (50) uses or determines target trajectory follow-up commands as control target specifications, by means of which the vehicle (1) is moved on a vehicle movement path (210, 310) along a target trajectory (ST), wherein the drive device (30) realizes, on the basis of the control commands, a transfer acceleration of the vehicle (1) at least in a portion comprising the target transfer point (211, 311), at which transfer acceleration the unit load (L) on the receiving component of the vehicle is moved onto the unit load receiving device (100) by virtue of the inertia of the unit load. The invention also relates to a logistics system (A) and a method for transferring a unit load (L) from a vehicle (1) to a unit load receiving device (100).