Autonomous Picking Robot Load Securing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous mobile picking robots face instability issues when securing inhomogeneous packages of varying sizes on load-carrying devices, leading to impaired container stability during fully automated picking processes.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a load securing device with a handling manipulator, equipped with a winding roll and stretchable wrapping material, allows for immediate securing of packages after picking, enhancing stability and enabling efficient stacking and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If packages are picked and stacked on a load-carrying device without immediate securing, then the picking operation can proceed quickly, but the stability of the packages on the load carrier is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicking operation speedVSAvoidpackage stability on load carrier
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The load securing device applies wrapping material to secure packages to the load carrier immediately after stacking, performing the securing action in advance before transport. This preliminary action prevents instability during motion without requiring manual intervention after stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handling manipulator performs dual functions: stacking packages and then automatically securing them with the load securing device. The system serves itself by integrating the securing function into the automated picking robot, eliminating the need for separate manual securing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If a load securing device is integrated with the handling manipulator, then package stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage stability on load carrierVSAvoidhandling manipulator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load securing device is integrated with the handling manipulator, combining stacking and securing functions into a single robotic arm system. This merging reduces the need for separate devices and manual operations, despite increasing the manipulator's structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handling manipulator is designed to perform multiple functions: picking packages, stacking them on the load carrier, and then securing them with the integrated load securing device. This multi-functionality consolidates operations that would otherwise require separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If wrapping material is applied to secure packages, then container stability is enhanced, but the time required for the picking process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidpicking process duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The load securing device operates continuously during the picking process, securing packages immediately after they are stacked. This continuous action eliminates idle time and ensures stability is maintained throughout the entire picking and transport operation without interrupting the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 ensures packages are securely fastened on the load-carrying device, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and allowing for higher stack heights and faster, more efficient picking operations without compromising the handling robot's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a wrapping roller (13) with wrapping material (15) for wrapping packages (7) placed on the load-bearing device (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

stretchable wrapping material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3434423B1Mobile order picking robot and method for operating a mobile order picking robot
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING GMBH
  • EP3434423B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile order picking robot (1) with a vehicle body (2), an electric drive, a handling manipulator (3), a controller (4) for mobile, autonomous vehicle navigation and for controlling the handling manipulator (3), and a receiving device (5) for a load-carrying device (6). The handling manipulator (3) has a load securing device (9) at one end of its arm (8) for securing packages (7) packed on the load-carrying device (6).