Parallel Conveyor Tracks With Cross Traverse Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor devices face challenges in achieving a high variability-to-capacity ratio and efficient configuration to meet specific intralogistics needs, particularly in environments requiring variable conveying paths and destinations, where automated guided vehicles (AGVs) often result in low capacity and increased costs due to collision avoidance issues.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor device comprising multiple rack elements forming parallel conveyor tracks with movable carrier devices and a robot unit, allowing for flexible movement and synchronization of objects between tracks, along with a cross traverse rack element for lateral transfer, enabling efficient and variable handling of objects with enhanced capacity without the need for multiple AGVs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple AGVs are used to increase conveying capacity, then the capacity requirement can be met, but the costs increase and collision avoidance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into stationary conveyor units with predefined paths, eliminating the need for multiple autonomous AGVs. Each conveyor unit operates independently with a robot unit that follows predetermined trajectories, dividing the conveying task into manageable segments without requiring complex inter-vehicle coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The robot unit serves itself by autonomously positioning itself on the conveyor track and synchronizing with the moving carrier device. The system uses self-contained synchronization mechanisms where the robot unit independently adjusts its speed and position to match the carrier device, without requiring external coordination with other vehicles
2Productivity
If stationary conveyor units with predefined paths are used, then high conveying capacity is achieved, but flexibility in conveying paths and destinations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines stationary conveyor infrastructure with a dynamic robot unit that can adapt its position and speed. The robot unit can dynamically synchronize with carrier devices at different positions along the track and can be redirected to different destinations by the control unit, providing flexibility within the stationary framework
Solution Approach 2:
The robot unit serves multiple functions: it can load objects onto carrier devices, travel along the conveyor track, synchronize with moving carriers, and deliver objects to various destinations. This single multi-functional unit replaces the need for multiple specialized AGVs, providing both high capacity and flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If AGV-based conveyor devices are used for variable conveying paths, then flexibility is improved, but conveying capacity decreases due to collision avoidance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary conveyor track acts as an intermediary between the robot unit and the carrier devices. The track provides a predefined, collision-free path that mediates the interaction between the robot unit and multiple carrier devices, allowing high-capacity conveying without the collision risks associated with autonomous vehicles operating in close proximity
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor device, comprising a) a plurality of rack elements arranged in a first row to define a first conveyor track. The conveyor device also comprises b) a plurality of rack elements arranged in a second row to define a second conveyor track. The conveyor device includes c) a robot unit with a traction device and a driving device, wherein said traction device is adapted to move said robot unit along said first or said second conveying direction and said driving device is adapted to engage said coupling interface of said movable carrier device to drive said movable carrier device. The conveyor device also includes d) a cross traverse rack element adapted to take up said robot unit, wherein said cross traverse rack element comprises a traverse movable load carrying device having an upper traverse load surface adapted to take up an object and a traverse coupling interface.