ROV Top Guide System for ASRS Tilting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior automated storage and retrieval systems are prone to tilting, especially when operating at high speeds or in locations prone to vibrations, which can lead to reduced accuracy and increased risk of accidents, particularly in environments like earthquakes or offshore installations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a remotely operated vehicle with a horizontal base structure and a downward-facing guide system, featuring guiding means such as sliding surfaces, wheels, or ball wheels, which allows for stable movement and engagement with a continuous surface, thereby preventing tilting and enhancing positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the remotely operated vehicle operates at high speeds or in vibration-prone locations, then productivity increases, but stability deteriorates causing tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the guiding system by adding an upper base with guiding means that engages with a downward-facing guide system positioned above the vehicle. This creates a dual-rail configuration where rails are positioned both below (supporting the lower base) and above (guiding the upper base) the vehicle, thereby stabilizing it against tilting in the horizontal plane while allowing high-speed operation.
2Device complexity
If conventional single-rail support is used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the guiding architecture by positioning guide rails in both the lower base (below the vehicle) and upper base (above the vehicle). This dual-level rail configuration provides superior positional guidance and prevents tilting that would compromise positioning accuracy, while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vehicle structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture improves, but reliability deteriorates in earthquake or offshore environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances reliability by introducing an upper guiding system that engages with a downward-facing guide system. This additional vertical dimension of guidance provides superior stability against external disturbances such as earthquakes or offshore vibrations. The modular design with separate lower and upper bases allows the system to be manufactured in manageable sections and assembled reliably.
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
This solution stabilizes the remotely operated vehicle, preventing tilting and ensuring accurate positioning, even in challenging environments, and reduces the risk of accidents, making it suitable for use on vessels and offshore installations.
Implementation Method 1
The guiding means comprises sliding surfaces, wheels, or ball wheels configured for engagement with the downward-facing guide system
Implementation Method 2
The guiding means comprises sliding surfaces, wheels, or ball wheels configured for engagement with the downward-facing guide system
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely operated vehicle for an automated storage and retrieval system, including: a horizontal base structure extending in a first direction and in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, and a first downward facing guide system being horizontally arranged, positioned above the base structure, and extending at least in the first direction. The remotely operated vehicle includes: a lower base provided with driving means configured for movement along the base structure in the first direction and/or in the second direction, and an upper base provided with guiding means configured for engagement with the first downward facing guide system.