Retractable Robotic Deck Mechanism for Safe Item Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Self Guided Vehicles (SGVs) are not adequately designed for unstructured human-occupied spaces, such as homes, as they often require complex infrastructure and pose safety risks due to exposed loading mechanisms, and lack versatility and practicality for untrained users, especially in environments with pets and children.
Innovation Solution
A robotic item retrieval and transport apparatus with a mobile base, a deck for supporting items, and an integral retrieval mechanism that minimizes exposure of the loading mechanism, allowing for lateral transport of items between the deck and an extrinsic support surface, ensuring safety and practicality in unstructured environments by eliminating the need for complex lifting mechanisms and maintaining a clean, accessible surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If AGVs are equipped with exposed lateral transfer mechanisms (conveyor belts, rollers, push-pull mechanisms) to enable automatic loading and unloading of objects, then the automation capability is improved, but safety risks increase due to exposure of moving parts in unstructured human-occupied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval mechanism is nested within the deck structure, with the movable implement housed inside a recessed cavity. The implement extends only when needed for item retrieval, otherwise remaining concealed within the deck's internal volume, thus eliminating exposed moving parts while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
A recessed cavity acts as an intermediary space between the internal retrieval mechanism and the external environment. This cavity allows the mechanism to operate while providing a physical barrier that protects users from direct contact with moving parts, resolving the safety concern
2Adaptability or versatility
If AGVs use complex lifting mechanisms (forklifts, robotic arms, height adjustment mechanisms) to retrieve objects from various locations, then the versatility of item retrieval is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is designed to be movable and adjustable in height, allowing it to reach equipotential positions with storage surfaces at various heights. This eliminates the need for complex lifting mechanisms by enabling the deck itself to move to the appropriate level for item retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The deck transitions from a static platform to a dynamic, height-adjustable surface. This dynamic capability allows the deck to adapt its position to retrieve items from different locations without requiring additional complex lifting equipment
3Reliability
If AGVs require dedicated supporting infrastructure (magnetic tape, markers, predefined routes) to navigate, then navigation reliability is improved, but adaptability to unstructured environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical navigation infrastructure (magnetic tape, physical markers) with sensor-based and software-based navigation systems. This substitution enables the AGV to navigate reliably in unstructured environments without requiring pre-installed physical guidance infrastructure
4Extent of automation
If AGVs use motorized conveyor belts or rollers on the cargo surface for lateral transfer, then automatic loading and unloading capability is improved, but the cargo surface area available for carrying objects is reduced due to exposed mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The movable implement is nested within a recessed cavity in the deck, allowing the cargo surface to remain largely unobstructed. The mechanism only extends into the cargo area when needed for item retrieval, maximizing the available cargo surface area while maintaining automatic loading capability
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic item retrieval and transport apparatus includes at least one item retrieval mechanism that is minimally exposed while stored and/or engaged in loading or unloading of objects relative to a deck (e.g., upper surface) thereof. Actuators and at least major portions of one or more movable implements are arranged below the deck. Loading and/or unloading of objects may include lateral sliding, such as by pulling the object while it is supported by an extrinsic support surface. At least substantial portions of an item retrieval mechanism may remain outside a central target area of a deck, to provide a unobstructed or minimally obstructed deck surface for holding objects. The apparatus may be used with at least one movable pallet element. A pallet element and/or a retrievable item may include one or more features detectable by a sensor.