Dual-Flap Pallet Assembly for Opposite-Side AGV Unloading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting robots in warehouse logistics face inefficiencies due to the inability to change the direction of the flap on automated guided vehicles, leading to increased regulation difficulty and reduced sorting efficiency when compartments are located on opposite sides of the running direction.
Innovation Solution
A pallet assembly with a flap assembly that includes two flaps, allowing for selective turning of either flap to accommodate different compartment locations, thereby improving the flexibility and efficiency of the sorting robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single flap is used on the sorting AGV, then the structure is simple, but the sorting efficiency decreases when compartments are located on opposite sides of the running direction
Solution Approach 1:
The single flap is divided into two separate flaps (first flap and second flap) that can independently rotate. This segmentation allows each flap to serve a specific side, enabling simultaneous unloading to compartments on both sides without requiring the AGV to change direction, thus improving sorting efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to be dynamically adjustable with independent rotation capabilities. The first flap can rotate to a first angle for unloading to one side, while the second flap can rotate to a second angle for unloading to the other side. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to efficiently handle compartments located on opposite sides without increasing overall structural complexity
2Ease of operation
If the flap can only turn in one direction, then the structure is simple, but the regulation difficulty increases when compartments are on different sides
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented to independently control each flap's rotation. The first flap control unit can adjust the first flap to the first angle for unloading to one side, while the second flap control unit adjusts the second flap to the second angle for unloading to the other side. This segmented control simplifies path regulation by allowing direct control of each flap based on compartment location without complex overall path reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-flap system provides multi-functionality where the same AGV structure can unload to compartments on either side by selectively activating and positioning the appropriate flap. This universal capability eliminates the need for separate AGV configurations for different compartment arrangements, significantly improving ease of operation and reducing regulation difficulty
3Productivity
If the AGV must change running path to reach compartments on the other side, then the single flap structure is maintained, but the overall running time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed with dynamic rotation capability during the AGV's running process. The first flap can rotate to the first angle or the second flap can rotate to the second angle based on real-time compartment location requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the AGV to maintain its running path while efficiently unloading to compartments on either side, reducing overall running time and improving sorting speed
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps can be pre-positioned or adjusted during the AGV's approach to the compartment. By preliminarily setting the first flap at the first angle or the second flap at the second angle based on predetermined compartment locations, the AGV can execute unloading operations more efficiently without requiring path changes, thereby reducing running time and improving sorting speed
Data Source
AI summary
A pallet assembly includes a flap assembly including a first flap and a second flap. The flap assembly has a first state in which the first flap and the second flap are coplanar so as to form a carrying surface for carrying goods, and a second state in which any one of the first flap and the second flap is turned so as to make the goods slide off.