Rotatable Rail Switching for Crossed Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional switching facilities for crossed paths either require complex configurations and high costs due to the need for multiple switching actuators or compromise on stability and smooth passage of article transport vehicles by lacking guide rails for upper rollers.
Innovation Solution
A switching facility with rotatable guide and travel rails in the crossing area, where the article transport vehicle's push operating portion switches the rails between positions, eliminating the need for actuators and ensuring stable travel by guiding both wheels and rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switching actuators are provided in conventional switching facilities for crossed paths, then the switching between first path and second path can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The article transport vehicle itself performs the switching operation by pushing the rotatable guide rail and rotatable travel rail using its own movement, eliminating the need for external switching actuators. The vehicle's forward motion automatically actuates the rail switching mechanism, making the system self-serving without requiring additional complex control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching actuator function is extracted from the rail system and transferred to the article transport vehicle. Instead of having dedicated actuators in the crossing area, the switching action is performed by the vehicle itself through its pushing motion on the rotatable rails, simplifying the overall system configuration.
2Device complexity
If only travel rails are provided without guide rails in the crossing area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and smooth passage of article transport vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail function and travel rail function are merged into a single rotatable rail structure. The rotatable guide rail and rotatable travel rail work together as an integrated switching mechanism that provides both guiding and support functions, maintaining stability while simplifying the overall rail configuration in the crossing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the rotatable guide rail and rotatable travel rail can change their orientation and connectivity based on the vehicle's direction. This dynamic adaptability allows the same rail structure to serve multiple paths while maintaining proper guidance and support for stable vehicle passage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching actuators are provided for guide rail and travel rail switching, then the switching functionality is complete, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable guide rail and rotatable travel rail serve multiple functions: they provide guidance, support, and switching functionality for both the first path and second path. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuators for each rail, reducing the overall system cost while maintaining complete switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching facility uses the article transport vehicle's own motion to perform the switching operation, eliminating the need for external power sources and control systems for actuators. This self-service approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining full switching functionality between paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A path switching facility for crossed paths comprises: at least one article transport vehicle configured to travel along a first path and a second path that crosses the first path; a guide rail for guiding a guided roller of the article transport vehicle; a travel rail for guiding and supporting travel wheels of the article transport vehicle; a rotatable guide rail and a rotatable travel rail both located in a crossing area; a push operating portion provided to the article transport vehicle to push one of the rotatable guide rail and the rotatable travel rail; and, an operatively connecting device for coupling a rotation of the rotatable guide rail with a rotation of the rotatable travel rail.