Mobile Robot Vertical and Horizontal Locomotion via Magnetic Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional order fulfillment systems face inefficiencies in the horizontal and vertical movement of mobile robots within multi-level storage structures, hindering quick and efficient transfer of product containers between storage locations.
Innovation Solution
A track system comprising horizontal rails and vertical towers with U-shaped slots allows mobile robots to move vertically and horizontally, using rotating climbing links to engage and disengage wheels, enabling seamless transition between levels and horizontal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mobile robots are used in multi-level storage structures, then the system can perform order fulfillment operations, but the horizontal and vertical movement efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wheel-based movement systems with a magnetic levitation propulsion system. The magnetic propulsion device generates magnetic fields to propel the mobile robot along the guide rails without physical contact, eliminating friction and enabling faster, more efficient horizontal and vertical movement within the storage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a magnetic field-based propulsion mechanism that functions similarly to pneumatic and hydraulic systems by using an invisible field (magnetic field) to transmit force and enable movement. The magnetic propulsion device creates controlled magnetic fields to accelerate and move the robot along the guide rails, providing efficient propulsion without mechanical contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile robots move horizontally and vertically within the storage structure, then product containers can be transferred between storage locations, but the locomotion system is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both horizontal and vertical movement capabilities into a single unified locomotion system. The mobile robot uses the same magnetic propulsion device and guide rail structure for both horizontal traversal along aisles and vertical movement between levels, eliminating the need for separate propulsion mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic guide rail structure that can change orientation to accommodate different movement directions. The guide rails are configured to guide the robot horizontally along storage aisles and vertically between levels, with the ability to transition between orientations. This dynamic adaptability allows a single locomotion system to perform multiple functions.
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
This configuration enhances the mobility of mobile robots within the storage structure, allowing for efficient transfer of product containers between storage locations, improving the overall order fulfillment process by enabling quick and efficient locomotion in both directions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic propulsion device configured to generate magnetic fields to propel the mobile robot along the guide rails in the horizontal and vertical directions
Data Source
AI summary
An order fulfillment system is disclosed including a storage structure and mobile robots capable of moving vertically and horizontally within the storage structure to transfer product totes to and from storage locations within the storage structure. The mobile robots may move along a track system including horizontal rails for horizontal travel of the mobile robot and vertical towers for vertical travel of the mobile robot. The vertical towers include two opposed pairs of tracks having U-shaped slots. The order fulfillment system may further comprise a mobile robot configured to travel vertically and horizontally along the track system to transfer product containers to and from the storage locations in the storage structure, and horizontally about a horizontal deck spanning the storage aisles. The mobile robot includes four wheel assemblies, each assembly including a pair of wheels mounted on ends of a climbing link. When positioned in a vertical tower, the climbing links rotate so that the drive wheels climb up or down the storage structure by engaging within the U-shaped slots of the track. The same wheels may be rotated to facilitate horizontal motion.