Mobile Transport Robot Docking Mechanism for Selective Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile transport systems in manufacturing facilities lack the ability to selectively load and transport diverse equipment requiring power and control, limiting their operational efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mobile transport robot system featuring a pedestal with a docking groove and a docking table, where the pedestal is connected to a mobile transport robot via docking blocks that can be raised or lowered, allowing for the selective loading and transportation of various power-requiring loads, with integrated communication and power terminals for control and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile transport robot is used for transporting loads, then mobility and automation are improved, but the ability to selectively load and transport diverse equipment requiring power and control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a pedestal with standardized docking grooves, a mobile transport robot with docking blocks, and a docking table. This segmentation allows different loads to be selectively mounted on the pedestal and transported by the robot, enhancing versatility without requiring a completely different system for each load type.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking interface (docking groove and docking block) serves multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical power transmission, and control signal communication. This universal interface allows the same mobile transport robot to handle diverse equipment requiring power and control, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
2Extent of automation
If docking blocks are raised or lowered to connect to the pedestal, then loading and unloading becomes automated, but the complexity of the docking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking block is designed with vertical movement capability (raised or lowered) to automatically engage with or disengage from the pedestal's docking groove. This dynamic adjustment enables automated loading and unloading operations, as the robot can connect to the pedestal by simply moving the docking block vertically without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism is designed to self-align and self-connect through the vertical movement of the docking block. The complementary shapes of the docking groove and docking block ensure proper alignment, and the raising/lowering action automatically establishes both mechanical and electrical connections, reducing the need for complex control systems.
3Reliability
If the docking groove is complementarily connected to the docking block, then electrical connection is achieved, but the requirement for precise alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking groove and docking block are designed with asymmetric complementary shapes that guide the alignment process. The unique fit between these asymmetric components ensures that only the correct docking block can connect to the corresponding groove, providing inherent alignment guidance and ensuring reliable electrical connection while reducing the burden on manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile transport device includes: a pedestal having an upper surface on which one load among a plurality of types of loads requiring power for operation is selectively provided, and a lower surface including a docking groove; a docking table having a support upper surface for supporting the pedestal on which the plurality of types of loads are provided; and a mobile transport robot configured to transport the pedestal on which the plurality of types of loads are provided, by connecting the docking groove to a docking block provided on an upper surface thereof. The docking groove in the lower surface of the pedestal is complementarily connected to the docking block provided on an upper surface of the mobile transport robot, so that the load is electrically connected to the mobile transport robot. The mobile transport device increases transport efficiency and task efficiency.