Modular Autonomous Vehicle Load Handling Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems in warehouses and distribution centers face challenges in efficiently storing and retrieving loads due to increased storage and retrieval times, safety concerns related to load handling, and wear and tear on components, particularly in high-density storage environments.
Innovation Solution
A load handling module with extendable arms, support wheels, and a power module is integrated into a transport device, featuring sensors and pivotable fingers for precise load alignment and handling, along with a power module for efficient power supply and maintenance ease, to enhance storage and retrieval efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transport devices use multiple components positioned on and outside the frame to control movement, then the transport devices can effectively handle loads, but the device complexity increases and wear and tear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is divided into modular components: a movable transport device that travels along guide rails, a separate load handling module with extendable arms, and a stationary mounting platform. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective load handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting platform acts as an intermediary between the guide rails and the load handling module. It provides a stable base for the extendable arms while allowing the transport device to move freely along the rails, reducing wear and tear on connection components.
2Manufacturing precision
If extendable arms are used for load alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mechanical stress and wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load handling module incorporates extendable arms with variable length capability, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on load position and size. This dynamic adjustment enables precise load alignment while distributing mechanical stress across different arm configurations, reducing wear on any single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of loads using the extendable arms before final placement. The arms extend to grasp and align loads in advance, ensuring precise positioning while allowing the main transport mechanism to focus on movement rather than fine alignment, thereby reducing overall mechanical stress.
3Quantity of substance
If high-density storage racks are used, then storage capacity is improved, but storage and retrieval times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device operates in multiple dimensions: horizontal movement along guide rails at different heights, vertical adjustment of the mounting platform, and radial extension of the load handling arms. This multi-dimensional operation allows the system to access loads in high-density three-dimensional storage racks efficiently, maintaining high storage capacity while achieving fast retrieval times through direct multi-axis positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary path planning and positioning before load retrieval. The transport device pre-positions itself at the optimal location on the guide rails, and the extendable arms pre-align with the target load, minimizing the actual retrieval time while maintaining access to high-density storage configurations.
4Measurement precision
If sensors and control mechanisms are added for precise load handling, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors integrated into the load handling module serve multiple functions: detecting load presence, measuring load position, verifying load alignment, and monitoring arm extension status. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single sensor system performs multiple measurement tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport device for storing and retrieving loads into and out of storage racks. The transport device including a load handling module and a power module. The load handling module includes a load carrying portion, a load handling device with a pair of extendable arms to extend and retract relative to the load carrying portion towards and away from the storage racks. A pair of support wheels to support a weight of the loads While the extendable arms extract the loads from the storage rack into the load carrying portion. A pair of side guides to position the retrieved load on the load carrying portion. The load handling device is attached to a mounting platform with an attachment bracket having an elongated groove. Further, the power module includes a collector shoe assembly pivotable between a conducting position and a non-conducting position using a movable arm and a locking mechanism.