Mobile Robotic Frame with Shelf Power Transfer Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional warehouse automation systems require large, costly robotic components that cannot be easily integrated into existing warehouse infrastructure, especially when the initial design does not account for robotic components, limiting the deployment of low-cost robotic solutions in warehouses with passive shelving units.
Innovation Solution
A mobile robotic frame with a lifting device and gripping mechanism that retrieves and places containers on warehouse shelves without the need for custom-built infrastructure, using a shelf power transfer unit to actuate shelf movement mechanisms, allowing for automated delivery and management of high-density warehouses without adding complexity or power systems to each shelf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional large mobile robotic components are used for warehouse automation, then automation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the robotic automation function into separate modules: a mobile robotic frame that moves along fixed rails, a lifting device for vertical movement, and a gripping device for container handling. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more easily integrated into existing warehouse infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile robotic frame as an intermediary between the fixed warehouse infrastructure and the automated container handling functions. This frame moves along fixed rails and carries the lifting and gripping devices, separating the mobility function from the handling functions and enabling integration with existing shelving units.
2Ease of operation
If powered movement mechanisms are added to each shelf for container movement, then container accessibility is improved, but device complexity and power system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system uses passive gravity-fed container movement mechanisms that require no external power sources. Containers are moved along shelves using gravity and simple mechanical guides, eliminating the need for powered movement mechanisms at each shelf location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power system requirements from the shelf structure itself. Instead of embedding motors and power supplies in each shelf, the system uses a centralized mobile robotic frame that provides powered functions (lifting, gripping, moving) while the shelves remain simple passive structures.
3Reliability
If custom-built infrastructure is constructed to support robotic components, then robotic system performance is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic frame is designed to work with standard warehouse shelving units and existing infrastructure. The frame can be configured to interface with conventional racks and containers, making the system universally applicable to existing warehouses without requiring custom-built infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a mobile robotic frame that moves dynamically along fixed rails rather than being fixed in position. This dynamic mobility allows the system to adapt to different warehouse layouts and existing infrastructure, reducing the need for custom-built static structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for movement of products is described. The system uses a facility which contains warehouse shelves, each shelf includes various devices to move products within the shelf. Some rollers on the shelf are active, others passive. Power is transferred to the active rollers from an end of arm tool.