Modular Logistics Shuttle with Segmented Drive and Lift Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic shuttle systems for logistics lack a compact and easily maintainable design, with inefficient operation planning and lack of precise control over functions like traveling, lifting, and fault detection.
Innovation Solution
A robotic shuttle system comprising a logistics shuttle robot with a vehicle body, motors, sensors, and a PLC controller connected to a WCS automatic storage system, enabling precise control and fault detection through modular design and communication via an antenna, along with a supercapacitor and lithium battery for power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic shuttle system uses traditional motor and sensor control mechanisms, then basic automation functions are achieved, but the system structure becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic shuttle system is divided into independent functional modules: driving mechanism module with motor and driving wheel, lifting mechanism module with lifting motor and lifting wheel, telescopic fork module with motor and fork, and control module with PLC controller and sensors. Each module can be independently maintained and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional shuttles use motor-driven mechanisms with multiple sensors and PLC controllers, then precise control is achieved, but disassembly and maintenance become inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is modularized with the PLC controller, sensors, and motors arranged in separate accessible locations on the vehicle body. The telescopic fork module with its motor and position sensor can be independently accessed for maintenance, while the driving and lifting mechanisms have separate access points, enabling convenient disassembly and repair without compromising control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shuttle system integrates multiple functions (traveling, lifting, carrying, fault detection), then operational capability is enhanced, but structural compactness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are integrated into a compact vehicle body structure: the driving mechanism, lifting mechanism, telescopic fork, PLC controller, sensors, encoder, and power system (supercapacitor and lithium battery) are all merged within the vehicle body. The telescopic fork can extend outward for cargo handling while retracting for compact storage, and the dual-power system provides integrated energy management, achieving structural compactness while maintaining diverse operational capabilities.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the shuttle uses separate power sources without integration, then power supply flexibility is maintained, but energy management efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor and lithium battery power sources are electrically connected and integrated into a unified power management system controlled by the PLC controller. The supercapacitor handles high-power transient demands during acceleration and lifting operations, while the lithium battery provides sustained energy for steady-state operation. This merged power system optimizes energy utilization efficiency while maintaining the flexibility of having multiple power sources, as the controller intelligently manages power distribution between them.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic shuttle system for logistics and a control method thereof are disclosed. The novel robotic shuttle system for logistics is compact in structure, convenient for disassembly and maintenance, and integrated intelligently, and may precisely realize the functions such as moving, lifting, carrying, fault warning, etc. The novel robotic shuttle system for logistics includes a novel logistics shuttle robot and a WCS automatic storage system; the novel logistics shuttle robot includes a vehicle body, a straight motor, a straight wheel, a transverse motor, a transverse wheel, a position sensor, a lifting motor, an encoder, a PLC controller, a lifting position sensor, a telescopic fork, a finger, a telescopic fork position sensor, a telescopic fork motor, and an antenna; and the bottom of the vehicle body is respectively provided with the straight wheel and the transverse wheel.