Rotating Lid Opener for Simple AGV Storage Case Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for opening and closing storage housing lids using automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) result in complex configurations and high costs due to the integration of arm robots or lid opening/closing devices on the container, leading to increased system and container complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A lid body opening/closing device with a rotation unit and abutment member that moves and rotates to open and close storage housing lids, combined with an AGV system featuring arms and claw devices for efficient transfer and control, allowing for a simpler and more cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an arm robot is applied to open and close the lid of the storage housing, then the lid opening/closing function is achieved, but the system configuration becomes complicated and system costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lid opening/closing function from the complex arm robot system and implements it through a simplified mechanism consisting of a rotation unit that rotates around a vertical axis and an abutment member that pushes the lid. This separation of functions allows the AGV to focus on transportation while a dedicated simple mechanism handles lid operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening/closing mechanism is designed to operate automatically when the storage housing is positioned on the rotation unit. The rotation unit's movement inherently drives the lid opening/closing action through the abutment member, eliminating the need for external robotic control systems.
2Ease of operation
If an opening/closing device is provided on the container itself, then the lid opening/closing function is achieved, but the container configuration becomes complicated and container costs become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lid opening/closing function from the container structure itself and places it on a separate rotation unit. This allows the container to maintain its simple storage housing configuration while the opening/closing operation is performed by an external rotation unit that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit acts as an intermediary between the AGV and the container lid. Instead of integrating the opening/closing mechanism directly into the container or using a complex arm robot, the rotation unit serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that achieves lid operation with minimal complexity.
3Device complexity
If a rotation unit with lid suction pad and abutment member is used, then the configuration is simplified, but new components must be designed and integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it rotates the storage housing around a vertical axis, provides the lid opening/closing action through the abutment member, and can be integrated with the AGV's existing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex robotic mechanical systems with a simpler rotation-based mechanical system. The lid opening/closing action is achieved through rotational movement and geometric constraints rather than complex actuator mechanisms, making the system easier to manufacture and integrate.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective opening and closing of storage housing lids using a simplified configuration, reducing system complexity and costs while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a lid suction pad configured to move toward the storage housing together with the rotation unit so that the lid suction pad is adsorbed to the lid body of the storage housing
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is technology for opening and closing a lid body of a case with a simple configuration. A lid body opening/closing device (12) includes a rotation unit (71) provided above a case (CS) and configured to move toward or away from the case (CS) and rotate around a virtual vertical line (B) passing through the case (CS). The rotation unit (71) includes a lid suction pad (77) configured to move toward the case (CS) together with the rotation unit (71) so that the lid suction pad (77) is adsorbed to a lid body (122) of the case (CS) and move away from the case (CS) together with the rotation unit (71) so that the lid body (122) is raised and opened, and an abutment roller (86) positioned on an inner side of the lid body (122) raised by the lid suction pad (77) and configured to rotate together with the rotation unit (71) and contact the inner side of the lid body (122) when the lid suction pad (77) is detached from the lid body (122) and push and open the lid body (122).