Mobile Transfer Station for Tugger Train Dead End Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tugger train systems with stationary transfer stations are unable to approach target or source positions in dead ends or narrow areas, limiting their ability to transport loads effectively.
Innovation Solution
A transport system incorporating a mobile driverless transport vehicle with a movable transfer station and conveyor devices, allowing loads to be transferred between the tugger train trailer and the driverless transport vehicle, enabling the system to operate in both forward and reverse directions and navigate narrower paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stationary transfer stations are used at destination and source positions, then the tugger train can directly access these locations for load transfer, but the system cannot reach positions in dead ends or narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer station is made mobile by mounting it on an automated guided vehicle (AGV). This allows the transfer station to dynamically reposition itself to meet the tugger train at various locations including dead ends and narrow areas, rather than requiring the tugger train to access fixed stationary transfer stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transfer station on the AGV acts as an intermediary between the tugger train and the final destination. The AGV with the transfer station can independently navigate to positions that the tugger train cannot reach, transfer loads there, and return to the tugger train for the next load, effectively extending the system's reach into confined spaces.
2Reliability
If the tugger train operates only in the forward direction with wide travel paths, then the towing vehicle can maintain stability and control, but the system cannot navigate narrow spaces or dead ends requiring reverse travel
Solution Approach 1:
The transport system is segmented into two functional components: the tugger train for reliable forward-direction towing operations, and the mobile transfer station on the AGV for navigating confined spaces and dead ends. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its performance for its specific function while working together to solve the overall transport problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transfer station on the AGV provides dynamic adaptability to navigate narrow passages and dead ends that the tugger train cannot access. The AGV can independently travel to these locations, perform load transfers, and return, effectively extending the system's operational reach without compromising the tugger train's stability and control characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transfer station is permanently fixed at destination positions, then the load transfer process is simplified and reliable, but the system cannot serve locations that require the tugger train to reverse or access narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer station is mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), making it mobile rather than fixed. This allows the transfer station to dynamically reposition itself to meet the tugger train at various locations including dead ends and narrow areas, maintaining the simplicity of the load transfer process while significantly increasing the system's adaptability to different location types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile transfer station on the AGV serves multiple functions: it can meet the tugger train at various locations, independently navigate to positions the tugger train cannot reach, perform load transfers, and return for the next load. This multi-functionality allows a single transfer station design to serve diverse location types without requiring multiple fixed transfer stations throughout the facility.
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
Enables the transportation of loads to and from positions that cannot be accessed by traditional tugger trains, providing a flexible and efficient solution for internal material flow by allowing the system to operate in confined spaces and dead ends.
Implementation Method 1
The tugger train trailer (4a, 4b) is equipped with a conveying device, in particular a motor-driven roller conveyor, a motor-driven belt conveyor, or a motor-driven conveyor chain, for transferring a load
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport system (1) for in-house material flow, comprising a tugger train (2), which has a tractor vehicle (3) and at least one tugger-train trailer (4a; 4b), and at least one transfer station (5a; 5b) for the transfer of loads (L) between the tugger-train trailer (4a; 4b) and the transfer station (5a; 5b). The transfer station (5a; 5b) is a constituent part of a driverless transport vehicle (6a; 6) and is movable by means of the driverless transport vehicle (6a; 6b).