Shelf-Hung Transfer Robot With Ground Support for Warehouse Aisles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Warehousing systems require high load-bearing capacity for goods shelves due to the presence of transfer robots, which increases the structural demands on these shelves.
Innovation Solution
A transfer robot design that includes a support frame hung on a goods shelf with a ground walking mechanism, allowing it to distribute its weight between the shelf and the ground, reducing the load borne by the shelves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transfer robot is arranged on the goods shelves, then the robot can perform material handling operations, but the load-bearing requirement of the goods shelves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground walking mechanism that transfers part of the robot's weight from the vertical support (goods shelves) to the horizontal ground surface. This dimensional shift in load distribution allows the robot to operate on shelves without fully relying on them for structural support, thereby reducing the load-bearing requirements while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground walking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the robot and the goods shelves. Instead of the robot directly bearing full weight on the shelves, the ground walking mechanism mediates by providing additional support through ground contact, thus reducing the burden on the shelf structure while enabling the robot to perform its material handling function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer robot is hung on the goods shelf, then the robot can move horizontally along the shelf, but the robot's weight increases the load on the shelf
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a ground walking mechanism that provides horizontal movement capability through ground contact rather than relying solely on horizontal tracks on the shelves. This dimensional change in the movement system allows the robot to traverse horizontally while distributing weight to the ground, reducing the load on shelves while maintaining adaptability to different shelf positions.
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
Reduces the need for high load-bearing capacity in goods shelves by distributing the robot's weight across both the shelf and the ground, enhancing stability and efficiency in material handling.
Implementation Method 1
the ground walking mechanism is configured to in rolling contact with the ground where the goods shelves are located, and can provide a support force and walking power for the transfer robot
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The embodiments of the present application provide a transfer robot and a warehousing system, wherein the warehousing system includes goods shelves, and a laneway is formed between adjacent goods shelves. The transfer robot is hung on a first goods shelf located at a side of the laneway; the transfer robot includes a support frame, a material box picking-up and placing component and a ground walking mechanism; the support frame can move in a horizontal direction on a side of the first goods shelf; the material box picking-up and placing component can rise and fall relative to the support frame and pick-up and place material boxes; the ground walking mechanism is arranged at a bottom of the support frame, is located in the laneway and at a side of the laneway which is close to the first goods shelf, and is configured to cooperate with the ground to provide a support force and walking power for the transfer robot. A portion of the weight of the transfer robot is applied to the ground through the ground walking mechanism, reducing the load bore by the goods shelves, that is, reducing the requirement for the load-bearing capacity of the goods shelves.