Shelf-Coupled Mover Positioning for Accurate Carrier Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unmanned carrier vehicles face challenges in accurately detecting their location with respect to shelving, which is crucial for efficient loading and unloading of burdens.

Innovation Solution

A mover system equipped with a body, a second member, a suction unit, a location detection unit, a first moving part, and a second moving part, where the second member combines with a first member on the object, allowing the suction unit to be sucked to the object, and the location detection unit accurately detects the body's location by monitoring the second member's movement, while the first and second moving parts facilitate precise positioning and movement along the object.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the mover uses conventional location detection methods, then the detection system is simple, but the location detection accuracy with respect to the shelving is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second member (such as a pinion gear) as an intermediary mechanical element that couples the mover to the shelving rack. This intermediary transmits the positional relationship between the mover and shelving to the location detection unit, enabling accurate detection without requiring complex direct measurement systems. The second member acts as a mechanical mediator that converts the relative position into detectable motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional optical or electronic location detection systems with a mechanical detection approach. By using the second member's mechanical coupling with the shelving rack and detecting its motion through the location detection unit, the system achieves high accuracy through mechanical means rather than complex electronic sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If the mover needs to position accurately for loading and unloading, then the positioning precision improves, but the time required for positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous mechanical coupling between the mover and shelving through the second member during the positioning process. This continuous coupling allows the location detection unit to continuously monitor position without interruption, enabling fast and accurate positioning without repeated adjustment cycles or stopping operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The location detection unit provides real-time feedback on the mover's position relative to the shelving through the second member's motion. This feedback enables the control system to make precise adjustments and determine when accurate positioning is achieved, reducing the time required for positioning while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the mover operates at narrower intervals for efficient burden handling, then the productivity increases, but the positioning accuracy requirement becomes more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning accuracy requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the positioning function into two parts: the first moving part for general movement and the second member with location detection unit for precise positioning. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high positioning accuracy when operating at narrow intervals while maintaining overall productivity, as each component is optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances the accuracy of location detection and positioning of the mover with respect to the object, enabling efficient loading and unloading of burdens even at narrower intervals, thereby improving the overall operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit (130) that is sucked to the object (200) in the state where the second member (120) is combined with the first member (210)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11827449B2Mover, carrier, moving system, and moving method

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A mover according to the present disclosure includes: a body to move; a second member; a suction unit; a location detection unit; a first moving part, and a second moving part. The second member moves in a state where the second member is combined with a first member provided for an object, as the body is displaced relative to the object. The suction unit is sucked to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member. The location detection unit detects a location of the body with respect to the object by detecting movement of the second member. The first moving part moves the body until the state where the second member is combined with the first member is established. The second moving part displaces the body relative to the object in the state where the second member is combined with the first member.