Payload Stopper Linkage for Horizontal Restraint and Vertical Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stopping devices for mobile robots are inadequate in limiting unwanted payload movement, as they either fail to restrict horizontal movement effectively or become disabled by vertical forces, leading to damage and inefficiency in delivery processes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a stopper mechanism that transitions between two positions using linkages and actuation devices, allowing horizontal movement restriction while being compliant to vertical forces, thereby reducing the force applied and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional stopping device is used to restrict horizontal movement of the payload, then the payload movement is limited, but the device becomes disabled by vertical forces causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is designed to dynamically transition between two positions: a first position where it restricts horizontal movement of the payload, and a second position where it yields to vertical forces. The actuation device enables this dynamic reconfiguration, allowing the stopper to adapt its function based on the direction of applied force, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding damage from vertical overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter of the stopper (its position) in response to different force conditions. When vertical forces are detected or anticipated, the stopper transitions to the second position, effectively changing its geometric configuration to bypass the harmful vertical force path while maintaining horizontal restriction capability when appropriate.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stopper transitions from first position to second position using actuation force, then compliance to vertical forces is achieved, but additional components and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the stopper and the control system. It receives input (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic signals) and translates it into mechanical motion that transitions the stopper between positions. This intermediary approach enables sophisticated control and adaptability while encapsulating the complexity within a dedicated component rather than distributing it throughout the entire system.
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 system effectively restricts unwanted horizontal movement of payloads while being resilient to vertical forces, reducing damage to the payload, robot, and components, and maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The restoring device can include a spring, a counter weight, or a magnet
Implementation Method 2
The driver can include a motor, an electro-magnet, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Features are disclosed for a stopping device that is resistant to forces in a first direction and compliant with forces in a second direction. The stopping device may be implemented in a roller top to restrict undesired horizontal movement of a payload being transported across the roller top. In some embodiments, the roller top can be implemented on a mobile robot to transport a payload between destinations. The stopping device can include a plurality of linkages to engage the stopping device and reduce forces applied to the stopping device by the payload. The stopping device, in an engaged position, may limit undesired horizontal movement of the payload. Further, the stopping device, in the engaged position, may respond to vertical forces applied to the stopping device by transitioning from the engaged position to a disengaged position.