Inflatable Multi-Bag Cushion for Stable Package Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package transport systems using air cushions with single bags between fixed portions face issues with insufficient contact area, leading to package movement during transportation due to high air pressure, which can cause swaying.
Innovation Solution
The autonomous transport vehicle employs multiple inflatable bags between fixed portions in the inner wall, each with an elastic portion at the tip end, controlled by a compressor to ensure a larger contact area and secure package retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single bag cushion is used between fixed portions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the contact area with the package becomes insufficient, causing package movement and swaying during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is divided into multiple bags (first bag, second bag, third bag, fourth bag) arranged between the fixed portions. Each bag can independently inflate and contact different areas of the package, increasing the total contact area while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple bags are arranged in a dimensional configuration (e.g., side-by-side or in series) between the fixed portions, transforming a single-point or single-area contact into a distributed multi-area contact system, thereby increasing the overall contact area with the package
2Force
If high air pressure is used in the cushion bags, then the package securing force is improved, but the contact area decreases, leading to package movement and swaying
Solution Approach 1:
The securing force is distributed across multiple bags instead of concentrating it in a single bag. Each bag operates at appropriate pressure levels while collectively providing the necessary total securing force, preventing both insufficient holding and excessive pressure points that cause movement
Solution Approach 2:
Different bags can be inflated to different pressure levels based on local requirements. The system applies varying pressure distributions across different contact zones, optimizing both the force applied and the contact area maintained in each region
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cushion is made more rigid to prevent package movement, then the stability is improved, but the ease of loading and unloading the package deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable system. The bags can be inflated to provide stability during transportation, then deflated to create space and reduce resistance for easy loading and unloading of the package
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic inflation/deflation of the bags to dynamically adjust the cushion characteristics. During loading/unloading, the bags are deflated to accommodate package insertion/removal; during transportation, they are inflated to provide stable securing
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 solution provides stable package securing by increasing the contact area and using elastic portions to press against the package, ensuring proper fixation and ease of loading/unloading.
Implementation Method 1
The compressor is configured to inject the gas into the multiple bags and draw the gas from the bags
Implementation Method 2
The cushion may include a bag and an elastic portion. The bag is configured to inflate with gas from the inner wall, and has a tip end. The elastic portion may be disposed at the tip end of the bag
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous transport vehicle configured to transport a package includes a housing, a cushion, and a compressor. The housing has an inner wall that defines a compartment in which the package is housed. The cushion has at least two fixed portions in a reference direction and fixed to the inner wall in the compartment at the at least two fixed portions. The cushion includes multiple bags between the two fixed portions in the reference direction. Each of the multiple bags is configured to inflate from the inner wall with gas. The compressor is configured to inject the gas into the multiple bags and draw the gas from the bags.