Pivoting Shelf Conveyor for Robotic Trailer Carton Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unloading bulk quantities of stacked cases and cargo from truck trailers is physically demanding and costly due to reliance on manual labor, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective unloading system.
Innovation Solution
A robotic carton unloader equipped with a mobile body, robotically controlled carton remover system, conveyor system, and control and visualization system that automates the unloading process, allowing for the dislodging and transfer of cartons from a truck trailer to a distribution center.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used to unload stacked cases and cargo from truck trailers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic unloading system performs unloading operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The robot navigates independently within the trailer, identifies carton locations using sensors, and executes removal operations automatically, enabling the system to service itself and significantly increasing productivity compared to manual labor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of human workers physically handling cartons with an automated robotic system. The robot uses mechanical arms, grippers, and automated navigation to substitute human physical labor, thereby increasing unloading speed while reducing labor costs and physical strain on workers
2Productivity
If forklifts are used to unload palletized loads, then productivity increases compared to manual labor, but adaptability decreases for non-palletized goods
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal handling capabilities that can accommodate multiple types of cargo configurations. The robot can handle both palletized loads and loose stacked cartons by adjusting its gripper force, navigation path, and removal strategy, making it adaptable to different cargo types while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system dynamically adapts its operation parameters based on the detected cargo configuration. Sensors real-time detect whether cargo is palletized or loosely stacked, and the robot adjusts its gripper force, arm positioning, and removal sequence accordingly, enabling versatile handling of different cargo types while maintaining efficient unloading speeds
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include an apparatus comprising: a front-end shelf conveyer coupled to a mobile body via a pivoting pedestal lift; the mobile body being mobile across a floor; the front-end shelf conveyer having a front portion, the front-end shelf conveyer being configured to convey cartons; and the pivoting pedestal lift being attached to the mobile body and configured to tip the front portion of the front-end shelf conveyer relative to the floor, wherein the pivoting pedestal lift comprises an actuator that is connected to the front portion of the front-end shelf conveyer to impart tipping movements to the front portion relative to the mobile body.