Modular Mobility Platform for Adaptive Material Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing materials handling systems face challenges in efficiently moving materials of varying dimensions and shapes across industrial floors, as they often require static paths that do not adapt to dynamic contextual needs.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that utilizes a modular and expandable mobility platform, equipped with segmented rollers and wheels, which can dynamically adjust its movement based on material attributes, environmental conditions, and workflow requirements, allowing for intelligent and optimal material movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static paths are used for material movement, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to dynamic contextual needs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to dynamic contextual needsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic path planning where the mobility platform continuously analyzes environmental conditions and material attributes to determine optimal movement routes in real-time. The system transitions from static predefined paths to dynamic adaptive paths that respond to changing contextual needs, including obstacle detection, terrain analysis, and workflow-based routing decisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through environmental condition analysis and material attribute assessment. Sensors and detection systems provide continuous feedback about the operating environment, which is processed to adjust movement paths and platform configuration dynamically, enabling the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If mobility platforms are customized for each material type, then handling precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling precisionVSAvoidplatform configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal mobility platform design that can handle multiple material types through configurable components. The platform includes adjustable securing mechanisms, variable platform dimensions, and adaptable loading configurations that can be programmed to match different material attributes such as size, weight, and shape, eliminating the need for completely separate platforms for each material type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts platform parameters such as securing force, platform elevation, and movement speed based on analyzed material attributes. The mobility platform modifies its operational parameters in real-time according to the specific material being transported, achieving material-specific handling precision through software-controlled parameter adjustment rather than hardware customization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12204337B2Multidirectional movement of materials
Publication Date: 2025.01.21 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US12204337B2 patent drawing
  • US12204337B2 patent drawing
  • US12204337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An approach for moving materials from one location to another is disclosed. The approach includes a mobility platform comprising of a lower construct comprising of mechanism for locomotion, a platform dispose on top of and adjacent to the lower construct and an upper construct dispose and adjacent to the platform, wherein the upper construct comprising of a mechanism for securing materials. Furthermore, the approach includes loading one or more materials onto the mobility platform from a first location, moving the mobility platform from the first location to a second location and unloading the one or more materials from the mobility platform at the second location.