Omnidirectional Grid Transporting Unit for Faster Direction Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load handling systems face challenges with slow direction changes due to complex and expensive mechanisms that require wheels to be raised and lowered for orthogonal movement, leading to inefficiencies in transporting devices.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an omnidirectional driving unit, such as ball-shaped rolling means or omniwheels, allows the transporting device to change directions easily and quickly without the need to lift or lower wheels, combined with a supporting unit to maintain the device at an appropriate operating distance from the grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wheel-based direction change mechanism is used, then the transporting device can move in orthogonal directions, but the direction change is slow and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wheel-based direction change mechanism with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. The transporting device uses magnetic attraction and repulsion forces from electromagnetic coils to achieve omnidirectional movement without physical contact with rails, eliminating the need for complex mechanical wheel lifting and lowering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic propulsion system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both forward motion and directional control in a single integrated mechanism. The same magnetic coils that propel the device forward can also generate lateral forces for direction changes, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheel lifting and lowering mechanism is used for direction change, then orthogonal movement is achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical lifting and lowering mechanisms by substituting them with a magnetic field-based propulsion system. The transporting device moves through magnetic attraction and repulsion forces without physical contact with the rail structure, greatly simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the complex wheel lifting and lowering subsystem from the traditional rail-based transportation system. By using magnetic propulsion, the patent eliminates the need for mechanical components that lift and lower wheels to achieve direction changes.
3Speed
If magnetic propulsion system is used, then direction change speed is enhanced, but the supporting unit must maintain appropriate operating distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control systems that continuously monitor the distance between the transporting device and the rail structure. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the magnetic field strength and coil activation patterns to maintain the optimal operating distance, ensuring both high-speed operation and proper spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic propulsion system is dynamically adjustable, allowing the operating distance to be optimized for different operational conditions. The system can rapidly adjust magnetic field parameters to maintain the ideal balance between propulsion force and operating distance during high-speed direction changes.
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
This configuration enhances the speed and efficiency of direction changes, reducing operational time spent on lateral movements and improving overall system throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting unit comprises at least a substantially ball-shaped rolling means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for a load handling system such that direction change of the transporting device is more easily and quickly realised. A transporting device comprises an omnidirectional driving unit which permits the transporting device to more easily move in more than one direction. There is provided a transporting device arranged to transport a container, the container being stored in a facility, the facility arranged to store the container in a plurality of stacks, the facility comprising a plurality of pathways arranged in cells so as to form a grid-like structure above the stacks, wherein the grid-like structure extends in a first direction and in a second direction, the transporting device arranged to operate on the grid- like structure. The transporting device comprises an omnidirectional driving unit arranged to drive the transporting device in the first direction and/or the second direction.