Matrix Movement Cells with Convergence Zones for Trajectory Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object movement systems face issues with objects losing their defined conveying trajectory due to slipping or impacts, leading to uncontrolled movement and potential damage or misdirection, especially in modular movement surfaces with independently controlled cells.

Innovation Solution

A modular movement apparatus with individually controllable movement cells and convergence zones that correct deviations from the conveying trajectory, ensuring objects stay on course using a control system that coordinates cell movements and employs convergence cells to guide objects back into the defined path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If modular movement cells with independent direction control are used to enable arbitrary object movement without mechanical engagement, then versatility and ease of operation are improved, but objects may lose their conveying trajectory due to slipping or impacts, worsening reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearbitrary object movement capabilityVSAvoidtrajectory maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors object position and dynamically adjusts the direction and speed of movement cells to correct deviations from the conveying trajectory, ensuring reliable object transport while maintaining versatile movement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters of movement cells based on real-time object position feedback, changing direction and speed profiles to maintain trajectory accuracy while adapting to different transport scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If convergence zones with multiple convergence cells are introduced to correct object deviations, then trajectory reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrajectory maintenanceVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement surface is segmented into functional zones including convergence zones with specific convergence cells, allowing localized trajectory correction without requiring complex global control of the entire movement surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the movement surface are assigned different functional qualities - convergence zones are specifically configured for trajectory correction while other regions handle primary transport, reducing overall system complexity through functional specialization

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

The apparatus maintains objects within the intended trajectory, enhancing movement reliability and efficiency without reducing speed, even with complex trajectories, by dynamically adjusting cell movements and convergence zones to correct deviations.

Implementation Method 1

the rollers are mounted on a base, rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the conveying surface, in such a way as to vary the direction of movement of the rollers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12397995B2Apparatus for moving objects and relative movement method

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 FIVES INTRALOGISTICS SPA

AI summary

A movement apparatus for objects configured for receiving an object from an infeed station and moving the object towards an outfeed station, comprising a movement surface comprising movement cells positioned on in a matrix fashion, positioned to operate with the object, wherein each movement cell has a direction of movement which can be individually controlled; a control system configured for defining a conveying trajectory in the movement surface for conveying the object from the infeed to the outfeed station; identifying trajectory cells belonging to the conveying trajectory and directing the direction of movement of each trajectory cell to move the object in the conveying trajectory; identifying, between the movement cells, convergence cells, defining a convergence zone adjacent to the conveying trajectory and, for each convergence cell, directing the direction of movement towards a central line of the conveying trajectory to maintain of the object inside the conveying trajectory.