Modular decking system with securement beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current decking systems are not conducive to automation due to lack of restriction in movement, making it difficult for robots to adjust decks consistently and posing hazards in automated environments. Additionally, current securement beams and straps are complex to position and require manual handling, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss.
Innovation Solution
A modular decking system with height-adjustable modular decks secured to vertical posts via tracks, allowing only upward and downward movement. The securement beams are also adjustable, with ends that can be independently adjusted along securement tracks on the vertical posts, simplifying their placement and allowing for easy movement by robots or humans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If removable beams and straps are used to restrict movement of freight, then securement capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of automation increase due to six degrees of freedom positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The securement system is segmented into independent components: vertical posts with integrated tracks, modular decks with corner blocks, and separate securement beams. Each component has simplified positioning requirements (one degree of freedom in vertical tracks) rather than requiring complex six-degree-of-freedom positioning, enabling easier automation while maintaining securement capability.
2Ease of operation
If traditional decking systems without movement restrictions are used, then ease of manual adjustment is improved, but automation capability deteriorates due to lack of constrained movement paths for robots
Solution Approach 1:
Vertical tracks serve as an intermediary mechanism between the decking system and securement beams. The tracks constrain movement to a single vertical degree of freedom, providing a defined path that robots can follow while still allowing manual adjustment. This intermediary structure enables both automated precision and manual flexibility.
3Reliability
If securement beams require precise positioning with small tolerances, then securement effectiveness is improved, but productivity decreases due to complicated placement tasks requiring separate location of both ends
Solution Approach 1:
The securement beams are designed with dynamic positioning capability along vertical tracks, allowing adjustment to different heights. The beams can be moved independently past modular decks on the vertical posts, enabling flexible positioning without requiring complex simultaneous coordination of both ends, thus improving placement efficiency while maintaining securement effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an adjustable shoring beam in which the ends can adjusted to different heights along one or more securement tracks on a vertical post. The adjustable shoring beam engages the securement tracks on the vertical posts and each end is independently adjustable in one degree of freedom. Modular deck tracks on the vertical posts, adjacent to the securement tracks, allow for the engagement of a modular deck with a vertical post. The modular deck and securement beam are able to be moved independently past each other on the vertical posts by a user or an autonomous machine.