Motorized Roller Dolly System for Warehouse Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-motorized wheeled transport devices in storehouses require manual handling, which is ergonomically harmful and inefficient, while motorized solutions are costly, prone to damage, and obstruct operator space, and require frequent recharging.
Innovation Solution
A motorized roller dolly system that can be retrofitted to existing wheeled transport devices, lifting them off the ground to minimize obstruction and allowing for motorized movement without the need for extensive modifications or new infrastructure, with a rechargeable battery pack and optional exchangeable batteries for continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized drive units are integrated into transport cages, then manual handling is alleviated, but the cages become vulnerable to damage during rough handling and have reduced lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized drive unit is separated from the transport cage into two independent components. The drive unit remains on the floor while the cage stays separate, eliminating direct integration. This allows the cage to be handled roughly during transport without exposing motorized components to damage, while still providing motorized assistance during picking operations when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the cage. The drive unit can be coupled to the cage during picking operations to provide motorized propulsion, then decoupled during transport phases. This intermediary connection allows motorized assistance only when required, protecting the drive unit from rough handling while maintaining operational benefits.
2Ease of operation
If motorized transport cages are deployed, then operator workload is reduced, but significant space is occupied by charging docks for non-operating cages
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit is designed to be self-contained with an integrated battery pack that can be recharged independently of the cage. The battery can be removed from the drive unit and charged at any convenient location without requiring dedicated charging docks near cage storage areas. This eliminates the need for significant charging infrastructure space while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is moved from a fixed spatial location (charging docks at cage storage areas) to a portable dimension (removable battery packs). The battery can be charged anywhere with power access, transforming the charging process from a location-dependent operation to a flexible, mobile process that doesn't consume dedicated floor space.
3Productivity
If motorized aids are coupled to the cage for towing, then transport is assisted, but the operator's access to the transport cage is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized assistance function is segmented from the cage structure itself, placing the drive unit on the floor rather than attaching it to the cage. This spatial separation ensures that the drive unit never obstructs the operator's access to the cage from any angle, while still providing propulsion assistance during picking operations through the floor-based coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the motorized aid to the cage (traditional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the drive unit on the floor and having it propel the cage from below. This inverted configuration eliminates obstruction issues entirely, as the drive unit remains outside the operator's working space around the cage while still providing effective motorized assistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A transport system (100) for conveying items comprises a wheeled transport device (104) and a motorized unit (102), which is separate from the wheeled transport device (104). The motorized unit comprises a plurality of wheels (102) and an electric motor drive for driving at least one of the wheels, and the motorized unit (102) is configured to enter into locking engagement with the wheeled device (104), and to lift at least a front or rear portion of the wheeled device off the ground, whereby the wheeled transport device can be moved in a motorized manner by activating the motor drive of the motorized unit (102).