Robotic Grid Service Unit for In-Line Rescue and Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic picking systems require manual intervention to repair or clean faulty load handling devices and grids, leading to increased downtime and costs due to the need to stop all robotic load handlers, especially in large and complex systems.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of automated robotic service devices equipped with latching mechanisms, camera systems, cleaning mechanisms, and traction measurement systems to remotely diagnose and repair faults, clean grids, and remove malfunctioning load handling devices without stopping the entire system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual intervention is used to repair or clean faulty load handling devices and grids, then the system can be maintained, but the system must stop all robotic load handlers leading to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic service device performs maintenance, cleaning, and fault resolution operations autonomously without requiring human operators to stop the system. The device navigates the grid independently, diagnoses issues, and executes repairs or cleaning tasks, enabling the picking system to continue operating during maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic service device acts as an intermediary between faulty load handling devices and human operators. It can remotely diagnose faults, perform repairs, and clean grids, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing system downtime while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If all robotic load handlers are stopped for maintenance operations, then safety is ensured for manual intervention, but productivity decreases due to system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic service device performs maintenance and cleaning operations autonomously, eliminating the need to stop all robotic load handlers for safety reasons. The device can operate among active load handlers, maintaining productivity while ensuring its own safety through autonomous navigation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical intervention with an automated robotic system. The robotic service device uses sensors, cameras, and automated manipulation mechanisms to perform maintenance tasks that previously required human operators to physically access and work on the grid and load handling devices.
3Productivity
If the grid and load handling devices are not regularly maintained, then continuous operation is maintained, but faults accumulate leading to system failures
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic service device performs maintenance and cleaning operations continuously or periodically without interrupting the overall system operation. It can service multiple load handling devices in sequence, ensuring that maintenance activities continue alongside productive operations, preventing fault accumulation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic service device uses sensors and diagnostic tools to detect faults and contamination on the grid and load handling devices. It receives feedback about system status, prioritizes maintenance tasks based on detected issues, and performs targeted interventions to prevent fault accumulation before they lead to system failures.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A robotic service device (50) is described for use on a robotic picking system grid. The robotic service device is capable of driving to any location on the grid (14) order to perform maintenance operations or cleaning. Additionally, the robotic service device may be used to rescue robotic load handling devices (30) operational in the picking system. The robotic service device may comprise a releasable docking mechanism (3) to enable it to dock and latch on to malfunctioning load handling devices. The robotic service device is provided with cleaning means (5, 6, 7) and may be provided with camera means (2) to enable the condition of the grid and other robotic devices to be monitored.