Modular Stack Mover for Non-Linear Warehouse Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chain driven stack mover systems are difficult to scale in length, restricted to linear paths, and cannot efficiently move vehicles with turns, which limits their use in optimizing warehouse space.
Innovation Solution
A modular stack mover system comprising multiple stack mover systems that can be chained together to provide a longer moving system and accommodate non-linear paths, allowing vehicles to be moved through a workspace with turns and optimized use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single chain driven stack mover system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot be scaled to longer lengths and is restricted to linear paths
Solution Approach 1:
The stack mover system is divided into multiple independent modules that can be chained together. Each module contains its own drive mechanism and can operate independently, allowing the system to be extended to longer lengths by adding more modules while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single chain driven stack mover system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system is restricted to linear paths and cannot accommodate turns
Solution Approach 1:
Each module in the chain can be configured with different path directions and turn angles. The modular design allows modules to be arranged in sequences that accommodate turns and non-linear paths, providing adaptability to various warehouse layouts while keeping individual module designs relatively simple.
3Productivity
If human workers manually handle trays, then the equipment complexity is low, but the work is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs tray handling operations autonomously without requiring human workers. The automated stack mover system combines robotic manipulation with automated control to handle trays faster and more accurately than manual labor, while the modular design keeps the equipment complexity manageable through standardized components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a robotic modular stack mover system, and a method and a computer system for controlling the robotic modular pusher system. The robotic modular stack mover system includes a first stack mover system configured to cause a vehicle to traverse a first path and a second stack mover system configured to cause the vehicle to traverse a second path. The first stack mover system moves the vehicle along the first path from a source location to a first end location. The vehicle is retrieved from the first end location and the second mover system moves the vehicle along the second path to a destination location.