Autonomous Mobile Robot Lift and Subframe for Variable Product Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles in manufacturing environments face challenges in efficiently transporting and supporting products with varying sizes and types, particularly in navigating obstacles and adapting to different assembly stages, while maintaining autonomy and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robot system with a frame, tractive elements, sensors, a lift assembly, and a controller that integrates a scissor assembly and pivotable subframes for adaptable support, along with a cart interface and tow bar mechanism, enabling autonomous navigation and coordinated motion with multiple vehicles to handle diverse products and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicles are used to transport products, then basic transportation function is provided, but they cannot efficiently handle products with varying sizes and types
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs a pivotable subframe that can dynamically adjust its angle relative to the main frame, allowing the tractive elements to maintain contact with uneven ground surfaces. This dynamic adaptation enables the vehicle to efficiently transport various product sizes and types across different terrains without sacrificing transportation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle design incorporates a universal platform with pivotable subframes and adjustable tractive elements that can accommodate different product configurations. The scissor assembly and cart interface provide multi-functional capabilities to handle various product types, achieving both versatility and transportation efficiency.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous navigation is implemented, then operational autonomy is improved, but navigation through obstacles becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback about the surrounding environment and ground conditions. This feedback enables the autonomous control system to detect obstacles and adjust the subframe angle and tractive element position dynamically, facilitating autonomous navigation through challenging terrains while maintaining operational autonomy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lift assembly is added to raise interface, then ability to support varying assembly stages is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is segmented into a scissor assembly integrated with the pivotable subframe structure. This segmentation allows the lift function to be achieved through the existing mechanical components rather than adding a completely separate complex lifting system, thereby supporting varying assembly stages while minimizing additional system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting products throughout a manufacturing environment, includes a mobile robot including a frame, a tractive element coupled to the frame, a motor coupled to the frame and configured to drive the tractive element to propel the vehicle, at least one sensor configured to collect sensor data regarding a surrounding environment of the vehicle, an interface configured to engage a product, a lift assembly coupling the interface to the frame and configured to raise the interface relative to the frame, and a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the at least one sensor, and the lift assembly. The controller is configured to control the motor and the lift assembly based on information from the at least one sensor to autonomously transport the product.