Robot Docking Lock Module for Compact Cart Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting autonomous mobile robots to equipment, such as carts, are inefficient due to the use of extensible arms that occupy significant space and require individual control for magnet activation, limiting versatility and flexibility in industrial logistics applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with moveable locking members and a lifting device allows for secure connection and disconnection of mobile robots to carts and docking stations, enabling flexible operation and compact design, with locking members that can be actuated between idle and projecting positions to engage with carts or docking stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensible arms with magnets are used to connect the robot to racks, then the robot can be used with different rack widths, but the arms occupy significant space and require individual control
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate locking members (first pair on opposite sides of the robot, second pair on opposite sides of the rack) that can independently engage with corresponding engagement areas. This segmentation eliminates the need for large extensible arms while maintaining adaptability to different rack configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using extensible arms that reach out to grasp racks, the invention inverts the approach by having fixed locking members on both the robot and rack that passively engage with each other. The connection is achieved through complementary engagement areas rather than active grasping, reducing space requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensible arms with magnets are used to connect the robot to racks, then the robot can be used with different rack widths, but individual control of each arm is required
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions of multiple arms are merged into a unified locking system where locking members on the robot and rack work together as an integrated mechanism. The complementary engagement areas ensure that when one locking member engages, others naturally follow, eliminating the need for individual control of each arm.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to self-align and self-engage through complementary engagement areas. The geometry of the engagement areas ensures proper positioning and locking without requiring active control signals to each individual locking member, reducing control complexity.
3Reliability
If locking members are arranged to project from opposite sides of the housing, then secure connection to equipment is achieved, but the module structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking members and engagement areas are designed with universal functionality to work with different equipment types (racks, carts, containers). The same basic locking mechanism structure serves multiple purposes: providing secure connection, enabling adaptability, and simplifying control through standardized complementary engagement areas.
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 modular system enhances the flexibility and efficiency of autonomous mobile robots in logistics by ensuring secure connections and reducing space occupancy, allowing for versatile use with different equipment types and easy switching between robot and docking station modes.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting device may comprise at least one wedge-shaped member in cooperation with a moving member, such that vertical motion is accomplished by relative horizontal movement between the wedge-shaped member and the moving member.
Data Source
AI summary
A module (200) for connecting a mobile robot (110) to associated equipment (400) is provided, as well as to a device (700, 800) for connecting equipment to a docking station (900, 1000). The module (200) has a housing (210) defining the exterior of said module (200). The module (200) comprises a plurality of locking members (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) each being moveable between an idle position, in which the locking member (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) is arranged fully within said housing (210), and a projecting position, in which at least a part of the locking member (220a, 220b, 220c, 220d) is extending outside the housing (210).