Rail-Bound Transport Robot Multi-Compartment Container Bottom Flaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail-mounted transport robots are limited in their ability to transport and deliver specific quantities of bulk goods without requiring a turning or tipping action, as they are designed for full container filling and emptying, which restricts partial filling and delivery capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A multi-compartment container with individually controlled opening flaps on the bottom allows for targeted release and delivery of bulk goods, eliminating the need for turning stations and enabling partial filling and delivery without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional box-shaped container is used for transporting bulk goods, then the container can be completely emptied at an unloading station, but partial filling and partial dispensing of bulk material are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The container bottom is segmented into multiple independently controllable opening flaps, each capable of being opened or closed separately. This allows selective dispensing of bulk material from specific compartments while keeping other compartments sealed, enabling partial filling and partial dispensing operations without requiring complete emptying of the container.
2Productivity
If the container is designed to be completely emptied at a turning station, then all bulk material can be discharged, but the container requires a turning or tipping operation that consumes time and space
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is divided into multiple opening flaps that can be opened independently. This eliminates the need for turning or tipping operations, as bulk material can be discharged directly downward through the opened flaps at any point along the track, significantly reducing unloading time and eliminating the need for specialized turning stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening flaps are designed to enable gravity-driven discharge of bulk material directly downward. The container structure itself provides the unloading mechanism through the opening flaps, eliminating the need for external turning or tipping operations and associated infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If a turning station is required for emptying the container, then complete emptying is achieved, but additional infrastructure and space are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall is segmented into multiple opening flaps distributed along the container length. This allows complete emptying of bulk material through simple downward opening of flaps at the unloading point, eliminating the need for complex turning stations and associated infrastructure while ensuring thorough discharge of all compartments.
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
Enables precise and efficient delivery of specific quantities of bulk goods to any point along the railway, reducing unloading space requirements and allowing for modular compartment configurations to handle different materials, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the base wall is used for emptying the multi-compartment container, as it incorporates numerous access flaps. These flaps allow the bulk material poured into the container to be directed downwards through the open openings
Data Source
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
Rail-bound transport robot (20) with an approximately box-shaped, upwardly open container (1) for the singular dispensing of bulk material (18), which has at least one compartment (14a, 14b) filled with the bulk material (18) in its interior, wherein the transport robot (20) has an upwardly open loading space (33) which is suitable for receiving the container (1) and that the container (1) rests on a longitudinal conveyor (25, 66) in the transport robot (20) at its bottom, which engages opening flaps (6a-6f) arranged at the bottom of the container (1), through which the bulk material (18) flows out when the opening flaps (6a-6f) are opened.