Transport Robot Unloading Ramp and Conveyor for Stable Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional goods transportation systems face challenges in safely unloading articles from a loading space to a destination, particularly due to high costs and instability associated with arm-shaped devices.
Innovation Solution
A transport robot equipped with a body, a driving unit, a conveyor, and a moving plate mechanism that includes a slide driving unit with a motor, ball screws, and a moving block to facilitate safe and efficient unloading of articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If arm-shaped devices are used to unload articles, then unloading capability is achieved, but cost increases and stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a conveyor for transporting articles, a moving plate that extends to form an inclined surface, and a slide driving unit. This segmentation replaces the complex arm-shaped device with simpler, dedicated components that perform specific functions, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining unloading capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving plate is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable, forming an inclined surface only when needed for unloading. During transportation, the plate is retracted to maintain a low center of gravity and ensure stability. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational requirements, achieving unloading capability without compromising transportation stability.
2Productivity
If the moving plate is extended to form an inclined surface for unloading, then unloading efficiency improves, but the center of gravity shifts causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The moving plate transitions between retracted and extended states based on operational needs. During transportation, it remains retracted to maintain optimal center of gravity positioning and stability. During unloading operations, it extends to form the inclined surface, improving unloading efficiency. This dynamic state change allows the system to optimize for either stability or productivity depending on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving plate is positioned and configured in advance for specific operations. Before unloading begins, the plate is extended to form the inclined surface, and the conveyor is positioned accordingly. This preliminary configuration ensures that when unloading starts, the system is already optimized for efficient article transfer, reducing the need for adjustments during the actual unloading process.
3Device complexity
If a simple conveyor is used without additional unloading mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but unloading capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor and moving plate are merged into an integrated unloading system. The conveyor transports articles to the edge of the loading area, and the moving plate extends to form a continuous inclined surface from the conveyor to the ground. This merging of functions allows articles to be transferred seamlessly from the conveyor to the ground without requiring separate lifting or manipulation mechanisms, achieving effective unloading with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving plate serves multiple functions: it forms the inclined surface for article transfer, provides structural support for the unloading mechanism, and can be retracted to maintain stability during transportation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, allowing the system to achieve adequate unloading capability while keeping the overall mechanism simple and cost-effective.
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 transport robot can automatically unload articles without causing damage, reducing loading and unloading time, and ensuring stability during the process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ball screw configured to rotate by receiving the rotational force of the motor and extend in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a moving plate that is pulled out from the body in a first direction at a lower part of the unloading exit and forms a first inclined surface extending from the unloading exit to the floor
Data Source
AI summary
A transport robot includes: a body including a loading area and an unloading exit at one side of the loading area; a driving part which is positioned at a lower part of the body and provides a driving function; a conveyor which is positioned below the loading area and transfers a product loaded in the loading area to the unloading exit; a moving plate which is withdrawn in a first direction from the body below the unloading exit and forms a first inclination surface extending from the unloading exit to the ground; and a slide drive part for providing power to move the moving plate. The transport robot can automatically unload a loaded product and thus can complete transport even in an unmanned environment.