Custom Molded AGV Cargo Platform with Recesses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotized manufacturing platforms are often improperly sized, leading to insecure transportation of objects during movement by automatic guided vehicles (AGVs, causing instability and potential movement of objects during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A custom cargo carrying platform is created using a molding process with a base and slats defining a perimeter shape, incorporating AGV couplings and insert structures to form recesses that securely hold objects, ensuring stable transportation by attaching to multiple AGVs for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard-sized platforms are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but objects move during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is customized with local variations in size, shape, and recess configurations to match specific object geometries. Each platform is tailored to the particular cargo it carries, creating local adaptations rather than uniform standard designs. This allows objects to be securely held in place while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction approaches.
2Reliability
If larger platforms are used, then objects fit better, but platform size becomes excessive for small objects
Solution Approach 1:
The platform design incorporates segmented recesses that divide the platform surface into functional zones. Each recess is sized and shaped to accommodate specific objects, allowing the platform to be effectively 'segmented' into used and unused areas. This segmentation enables precise object positioning without requiring the entire platform surface, reducing unnecessary weight while maintaining positioning accuracy.
3Reliability
If custom-shaped platforms are made, then objects are secured better, but manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process uses preliminary patterns or templates that define the custom platform geometry before fabrication begins. These pre-planned designs incorporate the specific object shapes and dimensions, allowing the custom-shaped platforms to be manufactured systematically rather than through complex adaptive processes. This preliminary planning simplifies the actual manufacturing while achieving the desired custom fit for secure object transport.
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 custom platform provides secure and stable transportation of objects by matching the shape of the recesses with the objects, preventing movement during transport and allowing easy insertion and removal, enhancing the structural strength and precision positioning for efficient factory operations.
Implementation Method 1
A liquid platform material is poured into the mold and flows into a volume defined by the slats and the base and around the insert structures. The liquid platform material hardens in the mold.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for creating a cargo carrying assembly comprises providing a mold having a base and a perimeter defining an internal volume. A first coupling and a second coupling are attached to the base of the mold. Standoffs are attached to the bottom of insert structures between the base and the insert structures. A mold release material is placed over the mold s urfaces and a liquid platform material is poured into the mold. The liquid platform material hardens in the mold. The cargo carrying platform is removed from the mold and the standoffs and the insert structures are removed from the cargo carrying platform. Automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) are attached to the cargo carrying platform and parts are placed in the recesses.