Roller Coupling Mechanism for Cleanroom AGV-Carriage Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for automatic controlled vehicles and caster-mounted carriages face issues with coupling strength, dust generation, and energy consumption, particularly in environments requiring high precision and cleanliness, such as clean rooms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism utilizing four rollers (two pairs with different diameters) on the carriage and a guide rail section with expanding portions on the automatic controlled vehicle, along with a lock member and actuator, to achieve secure coupling and reduce dust generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coupling pin is inserted to a pin receiving portion, then the carriage is coupled to the automatic controlled vehicle, but if the relative positions are shifted even slightly, the coupling pin cannot be inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the coupling interface by replacing a point-contact pin-hole structure with a surface-contact structure featuring guide portions with expanding gaps. This allows the coupling to accommodate positional shifts while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portions act as intermediary elements that mediate between the coupling pin and the pin receiving portion. The expanding gap structure provides a transition zone that guides misaligned components into proper alignment during the coupling process
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clamping mechanism is used to grasp the coupling rod, then coupling can be achieved with loose positioning accuracy, but excessive load is applied when turning around the vertical axis, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved guide surfaces in the guide portions that gradually redirect the coupling rod into proper alignment. This curved geometry distributes the alignment forces over a larger area and longer distance, reducing peak stresses on the coupling mechanism during both coupling and turning operations
3Productivity
If a horizontally movable metal coupling pin is inserted to a metal pin receiving hole, then coupling is achieved, but contact noise and vibration occur, generating fine particles in clean rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the coupling components, combining metal structures with dust-generating-free materials or surface treatments. This reduces metal-to-metal contact and the generation of fine metal particles while maintaining the required mechanical strength and coupling speed
4Strength
If the coupling member is pressed against the coupling shaft with large force, then coupling strength is increased, but energy consumption increases and heavy load is placed on the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static pressing force into a dynamic coupling process. The guide portions with expanding gaps enable the coupling rod to be guided into alignment and engaged progressively, converting the coupling action from a high-force static press to a lower-force dynamic insertion process that maintains strength while reducing energy consumption
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 proposed coupling mechanism achieves a high coupling strength between the automatic controlled vehicle and the carriage while effectively suppressing dust generation, thus enhancing operational reliability and cleanliness in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first roller, a second roller, a third roller and a fourth roller which rotate around axial lines extending respectively in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A carrier device includes a coupling mechanism for connecting an automatic controlled vehicle to a carriage. The coupling mechanism includes a first roller assembly and a second roller assembly. The first roller assembly includes a first roller and a third roller, provided on a first common shaft. The second roller assembly includes a second roller and a fourth roller, provided on a second common shaft. The first roller and the second roller can enter a gap of the guide rail section in the automatic controlled vehicle. When the lock member moves from the first position to the second position, the lock member is sandwiched between the third roller and the fourth roller.