Mobile Body Integrated Locking for Article Support Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional article transport facilities require a large number of components alongside the path, complicating the construction and increasing installation space due to the need for hydraulic cylinders and link mechanisms to shift article supports between storage and transfer positions.
Innovation Solution
An article transport facility with a mobile body and article support that uses lock means and operating means integrated on the mobile body to switch between storage and transfer positions, eliminating the need for additional components alongside the path and preventing accidental movement of article supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders and link mechanisms are arranged alongside the path to shift article supports, then article supports can be shifted between storage and transfer positions, but the number of components increases and installation space is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shifting function from external components (hydraulic cylinders and link mechanisms) and integrates it into the mobile body itself. The mobile body is equipped with operating means that directly shifts the article support, eliminating the need for separate shifting mechanisms alongside the path.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile body is designed to perform multiple functions: it transports articles along the path and simultaneously shifts the article support between storage and transfer positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic cylinders and link mechanisms are arranged alongside the path to shift article supports, then article supports can be shifted between storage and transfer positions, but installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external shifting mechanisms (hydraulic cylinders and link mechanisms) from the space alongside the path and relocates the shifting function to the mobile body, thereby freeing up installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifting function is merged with the mobile body structure. The operating means for shifting the article support is integrated into the mobile body, combining transport and positioning functions in a single unit.
3Reliability
If lock means are added to prevent accidental movement of article supports, then safety against earthquakes and vibrations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock means is designed to lock the article support in the storage position before any accidental movement can occur. This preliminary locking action prevents earthquakes or vibrations from causing unintended shifts, and the lock is released only when the mobile body is positioned correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile body itself provides the locking function through its integrated lock means, eliminating the need for separate external locking mechanisms. The operating means on the mobile body controls both the shifting and locking operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An article transport facility includes an article transporting mobile body configured to move along a path and having an article holder; an article support for storing an article, the article support is configured to be moved between an article transfer position and an article storage position; a lock device provided on the article support to be switchable between a locking state for locking the article support in the article storage position, and an unlocking position for releasing the locking state; and an operating device provided on the mobile body for moving the article support and switching the lock device.