Transporting Module Installation Using Sliding Rails and Automated Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of goods delivery terminals in multi-storey buildings is challenging due to the need for manual work at heights, requiring long installation periods and high costs, especially for mass deployment, necessitating the use of scaffolds or large lifting equipment.

Innovation Solution

An automated apparatus comprising an automated guided vehicle, a holding assembly, a lifting mechanism, and an operating assembly for installing transporting modules on ceilings, and a sliding assembly for installing modules on exterior walls, enabling automated and efficient installation of goods delivery terminals without manual labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual work is used to install transporting modules on ceiling, then installation can be completed, but installation period is long and cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidinstallation period
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transporting module is designed with self-installation capabilities through automatic locking mechanisms and self-aligning features. The module can automatically lock onto the ceiling structure using magnetic or mechanical locking systems, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations and reducing installation time significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical installation operations are replaced by automated systems including robotic arms, automated lifting devices, and computer-controlled positioning systems. These systems can precisely position and secure transporting modules without human intervention, dramatically increasing installation productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual work is used to install transporting modules at height, then installation can be completed, but installation cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation system transitions from ground-level operations to three-dimensional space utilization. Transporting modules are designed to be assembled vertically and then lifted into position, allowing installation workers to operate from the ground while modules are secured at height, reducing the need for complex scaffolding and safety equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary automated lifting and positioning system serves as a mediator between ground-level control and ceiling-mounted installation. This system handles the complex tasks of lifting heavy modules to height and precisely positioning them, while workers on the ground control the process, simplifying their tasks and reducing equipment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If scaffolds or large lifting equipment are used for mass deployment, then installation can be completed, but installation period is long and cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass deployment efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The installation system is segmented into modular components including independent lifting units, positioning systems, and locking mechanisms. Each transporting module is designed as a separate unit that can be individually lifted and installed, allowing parallel installation of multiple modules simultaneously, thereby increasing mass deployment efficiency without requiring one large complex equipment system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The installing apparatus is designed with universal capabilities to handle different types and sizes of transporting modules using the same basic mechanism. The system can adapt to various installation scenarios through programmable control and adjustable parameters, eliminating the need for different specialized equipment for different deployment scales.

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

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The automated apparatus significantly reduces installation time and cost, facilitating mass deployment of goods delivery terminals by automating the installation process and eliminating the need for scaffolds or large equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting mechanism is used for lifting the holding assembly up and down relative to the automatic guide vehicle, so as to lift the first transporting module held by the holding assembly up until the first transporting module is near or touching the ceiling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

After a plurality of the third transporting modules are joined and installed, the sliding assembly can slide upwards or downwards along the first guide rails of the plurality of the third transporting modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12601193B2Automatic apparatus for installing goods delivery terminal
Publication Date: 2026.04.14 ZHOU PENGYUE
  • US12601193B2 patent drawing
  • US12601193B2 patent drawing
  • US12601193B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic apparatus used for installing a goods delivery terminal comprising a plurality of transporting modules, the transporting module is provided with a first guide rail. The automatic apparatus comprises a sliding assembly. After the transporting modules are joined and installed, the sliding assembly can slide upwards or downwards along the first guide rails from a side of one transporting module to a side of another transporting module. The automatic apparatus further comprises a holding component, a moving mechanism and an operating assembly. The holding component is used for holding the transporting module. After the sliding assembly slides to a position at or near the top portion of installed transporting module, the moving mechanism is used for moving the transporting module to be installed to a position directly above the installed transporting module. The operating assembly is used for enabling and/or disabling fixed connection of the adjacent transporting modules.