Modular Geologic Core Table With AGV Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing geologic core examination setups face challenges in minimizing damage to core samples, ensuring safety for handlers, and providing versatile and efficient handling and examination processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular, automated geologic core examination table equipped with extendable legs, braking wheels, and an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that navigates the table to different processing stations, allowing for safe, efficient, and versatile handling and examination of core samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If core samples are manually handled and transferred between tables, then flexibility in setup is maintained, but the risk of damage to core samples and injury to handlers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of handlers and core samplesVSAvoidmanual handling requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The AGV system enables self-service automation where the vehicle autonomously navigates, positions, and transfers core samples between tables without requiring manual handling. The system serves itself by automatically performing tasks that were previously done manually, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If core samples are transferred frequently between inspection areas and storage, then workflow flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidents and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoiddamage risk to core samples

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical transfer system with an automated AGV-based transport system. The AGV uses automated navigation and controlled movement mechanisms to transfer core samples, eliminating the harmful effects of manual handling such as dropping, improper positioning, and accidental damage while maintaining workflow flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If viewing areas are fixed in position, then equipment storage space is maximized, but the suitability for different examination needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing area suitabilityVSAvoidequipment storage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning capabilities where the AGV can move tables and viewing areas to different positions based on examination needs. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different viewing requirements (height, position, angle) while the AGV optimizes space utilization by moving equipment only when necessary, thereby balancing adaptability with space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Weight of stationary object

If tables are designed to accommodate heavy core samples, then load capacity is sufficient, but the weight causes strain on handlers and increases injury risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable load capacityVSAvoidinjury risk to handlers

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The AGV system performs self-service by autonomously handling the heavy core samples and tables. The vehicle's automated navigation and lifting mechanisms enable it to move heavy loads without human intervention, thereby eliminating the physical strain and injury risk to handlers while maintaining sufficient load capacity through the AGV's designed weight-bearing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12210026B2Robotic modular geologic core preparation and examination table

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A modular geologic core examination table is claimed. The modular geologic core examination table includes at least two legs, each leg comprising an extending portion for increasing the effective length of each leg, the extending portion at least partially concentrically disposed within or around the leg from which it extends, and wheels affixed to each of the at least two legs, wherein the wheels comprise braking functionality. The modular geologic core examination table also includes a tabletop coupled to the at least two legs, the tabletop including a top surface for receiving a core sample tray configured to hold the geologic core samples, wherein the tabletop is disposed above an automated guided vehicle (AGV) configured to navigate the modular core examination table while carrying geologic core samples from one geologic processing station to another without collisions.