Warehouse Load Handler Coupling for Shock-Resistant Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated warehouse systems face issues with accurate position detection of satellites due to mechanical shocks and aisle roughness, leading to potential breakage and incorrect readings in position detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A load handling device with a connecting coupling that allows high offsets between the measuring wheel axis and position detection device axis, combined with an elastic coupling and a translatable measuring wheel, absorbs mechanical shocks and maintains accurate position measurement, ensuring reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid position detection system is used to ensure accurate position reading, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to breakage from mechanical shocks and slingshot effects
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the measuring wheel and the position detection device. This coupling element absorbs mechanical shocks and vibrations while transmitting rotational motion, thereby protecting the position detection device from breakage due to slingshot effects and aisle roughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling element provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing mechanical shocks and vibrations before they can reach and damage the position detection device. This protective measure is built into the system design to prevent breakage from anticipated mechanical stresses during satellite movement.
2Device complexity
If odometric position detection is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to incorrect readings from aisle roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling element acts as a mediator that isolates the odometric position detection device from the roughness of the aisle. By absorbing vibrations and shocks, it enables the simplified odometric system to function accurately without being adversely affected by mechanical disturbances during satellite movement.
3Device complexity
If the position detection device is directly connected to the measuring wheel to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens due to breakage from slingshot effects and mechanical blows
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling element serves as a protective intermediary that maintains the simple direct connection architecture while introducing shock-absorbing capability. This coupling element prevents breakage from slingshow effects and mechanical blows without significantly increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling provides beforehand cushioning against mechanical shocks and vibrations that occur during satellite movement. This protective measure is integrated into the connection between the measuring wheel and position detection device to prevent breakage before it can occur.
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 solution provides continuous and accurate position detection, preventing mechanical shock-induced breakage and ensuring high reliability and safety by maintaining measurement accuracy and absorbing residual shocks, thus enhancing operational safety and preventing accidents.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting coupling which allows high offsets between the measuring wheel axis and position detection device axis
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling device for automatically storing a load in an automated warehouse has a base frame onto which wheels are rotatably connected to allow translation of the load handling device along a storage aisle. First handling members are operatively connected to one or more of the wheels. Operational portions define a temporary support plane for the load, and second handling members are operatively connected to the operational portions for moving the operational portions between a base position and a lifting position. A measuring wheel rotatable about a wheel rotation axis is connected to the base frame along a wheel translation direction. A connecting coupling transfers rotational motion of the measuring wheel to an angular position detection device having a device rotation axis parallel to the wheel rotation axis even during an offset variable in time along the wheel translation direction between the device rotation axis and the wheel rotation axis.