Robotic Conveyor With Segmented Load Support For Forklift Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic ground conveyor vehicles for transporting pallets lack flexibility in handling goods, as they require specific designated stations for loading and unloading, limiting transport flow and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A robotic ground conveyor vehicle with a loading surface featuring vertically adjustable load support members spaced apart to allow pallets to be engaged by forks of a forklift truck from any side, enabling flexible access and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a robotic ground conveyor vehicle uses a continuous loading surface for transporting pallets, then the vehicle maintains structural simplicity and stability, but forklift trucks cannot access the pallets during transport operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforklift access to palletsVSAvoidloading surface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading surface is divided into multiple discrete load support members spaced apart from each other, creating gaps that allow forklift forks to pass through and engage the pallet. This segmentation transforms the continuous surface into a modular structure that maintains load-bearing capability while enabling forklift access during transport operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If designated loading/unloading stations are implemented in the warehouse, then pallet transfer operations are standardized and reliable, but transport flow is limited and workflow continuity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport flow efficiencyVSAvoidflexibility in handling goods

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic ground conveyor vehicle is designed with load support members that enable it to function both as an autonomous transport device and as a forklift-compatible platform. This multi-functionality allows pallets to be transferred at any location in the warehouse, not just at designated stations, thereby eliminating workflow interruptions and improving overall transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the load support members are arranged closely together on the loading surface, then the vehicle maintains good load distribution and stability, but forklift forks cannot access the pallet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforklift fork insertionVSAvoidload distribution on vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The load support members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the loading surface where they can simultaneously provide adequate load support and create sufficient spacing for forklift access. The spacing and arrangement are optimized to maintain load stability while enabling fork insertion, creating local zones that satisfy both conflicting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3865451B1A robotic ground conveyor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.04.02 TOYOTA MATERIAL HANDLING MFG SWEDEN

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AI summary

Robotic ground conveyor vehicle (100) for transporting pallets (10) comprising, - a loading surface (120) with; - a plurality of vertically adjustable load support members (130) for supporting a pallet carried by the robotic ground conveyor vehicle, wherein the load support members (130) are arranged spaced apart on the loading surface (120) and such that a pallet (10) supported by the load support members (130) may be engaged by forks (20) of a forklift truck.