Omnidirectional Vehicle Aisle Width Reduction in High-Bay Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage systems face inefficiencies in space utilization and maneuverability, particularly in high-bay warehouses, due to the need for dedicated steering mechanisms and separate wheel configurations for directional changes, which restrict aisle width and require additional space for cornering.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a vehicle with omnidirectional wheels, each driven independently, allowing for precise direction control and seamless transitions between straight and transverse movements without rotation, combined with inductive energy transfer for power supply, enabling efficient navigation and loading operations in compact high-bay warehouse designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vehicles with separate steering mechanisms are used, then directional control is achieved, but aisle width is restricted and additional cornering space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's wheel system is segmented into four independently controllable omnidirectional wheels, each capable of generating force in any direction. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve directional control through coordinated wheel forces rather than through a separate steering mechanism, eliminating the need for additional cornering space and reducing aisle width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a traditional steering mechanism that rotates the vehicle body to change direction, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the vehicle body orientation constant and changing direction through differential force generation at the wheels. The vehicle moves in the desired direction by applying different forces to different wheels, rather than rotating the entire vehicle body.
2Measurement precision
If omnidirectional wheels with independent drives are used, then precise direction control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each omnidirectional wheel is designed as a multi-functional unit that combines the functions of propulsion, steering, and stabilization. The wheels can generate force in any direction and can independently adjust their orientation, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities of each individual wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical steering mechanisms with a more efficient system based on independently controlled omnidirectional wheels. Instead of using mechanical linkages, gears, and steering columns, the system uses direct force control at the wheel level, simplifying the mechanical structure while achieving superior directional precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle changes direction by twisting/rotating, then directional flexibility is achieved, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional direction-changing approach by maintaining constant vehicle body orientation while achieving directional movement through differential wheel forces. Instead of rotating the vehicle body to turn, the wheels generate lateral forces that propel the vehicle in the desired direction, eliminating the need for cornering space.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle achieves smooth directional transitions through periodic adjustment of wheel forces rather than through large rotational movements. By continuously and periodically adjusting the force distribution among the four omnidirectional wheels, the vehicle can change direction in a controlled manner without requiring additional space for turning arcs.
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 solution allows for a space-saving and efficient storage system design, enabling wide aisles, precise control, and fast operation without the need for cornering space, while maintaining energy efficiency through inductive power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary winding is arranged on the underside of the vehicle, which can be inductively coupled to a primary conductor arranged in a lifting platform and/or to a primary conductor arranged in an aisle
Implementation Method 2
a capacitance being connected in series or in parallel with the secondary winding in such a way that the Resonant frequency of the resonant circuit formed in this way essentially corresponds to the frequency of the current impressed in the primary conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system and to a method for operating a storage system, comprising a vehicle having omni-directional wheels.