Automated Load Handling Device Stabilizing Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated load handling devices experience stability and accuracy issues when handling heavy loads at increased heights and reach, due to swaying which affects their performance.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a material handling system that includes an automated load handling device with a stabilizing member that engages the storage apparatus to stabilize the device, reducing degrees of freedom and enhancing stability without increasing the device's footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the automated load handling device uses an extendable load support to reach higher elevations, then the height range of the device is increased, but the device becomes subject to swaying which affects stability and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheight rangeVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the automated load handling device and the storage apparatus. This stabilizing member engages with the storage apparatus to provide additional support and reduce swaying, thereby improving stability without limiting the height range achieved through the extendable load support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of moving object

If the automated load handling device uses an extendable load support to increase reach, then the range and reach of the device is increased, but the device becomes subject to swaying which affects stability and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange and reachVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing member serves as a mediator that connects the extendable load support to the storage apparatus. It provides lateral support and reduces swaying motions, enabling the device to achieve increased reach while maintaining stability during load handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a stabilizing member is added to engage the storage apparatus, then the stability of the automated load handling device is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing member is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently deployed and retracted. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be added without redesigning the entire device, thereby improving stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing member is configured to be dynamically deployable and retractable, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain stability when needed while avoiding unnecessary complexity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250074702A1Automated load handling devices and system

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 DEMATIC CORP

AI summary

A material handling system includes a storage apparatus having a frame and a plurality of storage shelves, with the frame configured to support the plurality of storage shelves on a floor, and an automated load handling device having a base configured to be a supported on and for movement across the floor, and the automated load handling device including a stabilizing member configured to engage the storage apparatus to stabilize the automated load handling device.