Autonomous Mobile Lift Robots for Rack Lattice Pallet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse designs require large areas for fixed shelf row robots and forklifts, leading to wasted floor space, high capital costs, and inefficient handling of multiple trucks due to choke points and multiple machine transfers.
Innovation Solution
A modular rack lattice structure with autonomous mobile lift robots that can climb access shafts, allowing simultaneous handling of multiple storage spots and eliminating the need for fixed robots and forklifts, with a single robot capable of picking up, moving, and placing pallets inside trucks and warehouses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed shelf row robots and forklifts are used for pallet storage and movement, then automated handling is achieved, but large floor space is wasted and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rack lattice structure movable rather than fixed. The rack lattice can be repositioned and reconfigured as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different storage requirements and optimize floor space utilization. This dynamic structure eliminates the need for dedicated fixed robot stations, thereby reducing wasted floor space while maintaining automated handling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous mobile lift robot serves multiple functions: it can transport pallets horizontally, climb vertical access shafts, and interface with both the rack lattice and trucks. This multi-functional robot eliminates the need for separate fixed robots for each shelf row and dedicated forklifts, thereby reducing the total floor space required for automated handling operations.
2Extent of automation
If fixed shelf row robots are installed for each shelf row, then automated pallet placement is achieved, but capital costs increase and floor space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple fixed shelf row robots into a single autonomous mobile lift robot. This robot can service multiple rack lattice locations by moving between them, thereby reducing device complexity and capital costs while maintaining automated pallet placement capabilities across the entire warehouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile lift robot provides dynamic automation, replacing static fixed robots with a mobile unit that can adapt its position and service different areas as needed. This reduces the number of machines required while maintaining comprehensive automated coverage.
3Productivity
If multiple machines (forklifts, robots) are used for loading and unloading, then handling capability is provided, but multiple transfers cause delays and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the loading and unloading functions into the autonomous mobile lift robot, which can directly interface with both the rack lattice and trucks. This eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and transfers, thereby reducing transfer delays while maintaining comprehensive handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile lift robot enables continuous operation by seamlessly transitioning between the rack lattice and trucks without requiring intermediate transfers. The robot can continuously load and unload pallets, eliminating the interruptions and delays associated with multiple machine handoffs.
4Productivity
If loaded robots and forklifts maneuver inside the warehouse, then pallet transport is achieved, but additional floor space is required to avoid choke points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a mobile robot that can navigate through the warehouse space efficiently. The autonomous navigation and path planning capabilities allow the robot to transport pallets without requiring large dedicated maneuvering areas, as it can dynamically adjust its path and operate in tighter spaces compared to traditional forklifts.
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 design increases warehouse capacity and efficiency by allowing simultaneous handling of multiple trucks, reducing maintenance costs, and optimizing space usage while minimizing travel distance for loading and unloading.
Implementation Method 1
The second embodiment of the autonomous mobile lift robot comprising a plurality of gears and driving motors
Data Source
AI summary
An advanced warehouse and logistic system that comprises autonomous mobile lift robots and a rack lattice system that has a hinged rack lattice structure and has rack rail lattice structure both of which allow multiple autonomous mobile lift robots to move independently through the rack lattice structure to move goods and load trucks and other vehicles. A first and second embodiment of the autonomous mobile lift robot of the present invention comprising a plurality of driving trains having a first gear mounted perpendicularly to a second gear and a plurality of gears and driving motors having a movable gear configured to be positioned vertically or horizontally to have the autonomous mobile lift robot be movable in an up, down, left, and right direction depending on the geometry of the rack lattice structure and on the position of the plurality of gears of autonomous mobile lift robot.