Warehouse Shuttle With Adjustable Chassis And Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shuttles in warehouses face challenges in handling articles of variable dimensions due to sagging arms, which affect their ability to deliver and retrieve items efficiently from shelves.
Innovation Solution
A modular shuttle design with adjustable arms and a connector assembly using linear actuators or rack and pinion mechanisms allows for varying arm spacing, enabling the shuttle to accommodate articles of different widths and maintain stability during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the arms are extended far into the shelf area in a cantilevered fashion, then the shuttle can retrieve and deliver articles from deep on the article spaces, but the arms experience forces causing them to sag
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into first and second chassis portions that can move independently, with the arms mounted on different portions. This segmentation allows each arm to be supported by its own chassis portion, reducing the cantilever effect and sagging while maintaining extended reach into the shelf area.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly dynamically adjusts the spacing between the first and second chassis portions based on the width of articles being handled. This dynamic adjustment optimizes arm stability for different article dimensions, preventing excessive sagging while maintaining the ability to reach deep into shelves.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the arms are made rigid to prevent sagging, then arm stability is improved, but the shuttle cannot accommodate articles of variable dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly provides dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first and second chassis portions, allowing the arms to be spaced appropriately for different article widths. This maintains arm stability through proper support while enabling adaptability to handle articles of variable dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between the chassis portions is changed as a variable parameter based on article dimensions. By adjusting this parameter, the system maintains optimal arm stability for each specific article width while preserving the ability to handle diverse article sizes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed chassis design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the shuttle cannot be configured for various article sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is segmented into modular first and second portions that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for each portion while enabling configuration flexibility through the adjustable connector assembly that links them.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly introduces a dynamic, adjustable element to an otherwise simple modular chassis design. This allows fixed, easy-to-manufacture chassis portions to be combined with an adjustable spacing mechanism, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and configuration flexibility.
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
The shuttle effectively retrieves and delivers articles of varying dimensions without undue sagging, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility in warehouse operations.
Implementation Method 1
The linear actuator(s) may include a rail that is fixedly connected to one of the chassis portions and is slideably connected to the other of the chassis portions and a continuous belt that travels along the rail. The linear actuator(s) may further include a spacing motor that moves the belt.
Implementation Method 2
The connector assembly may include one or more rack and pinion assemblies. The rack and pinion assemblies may each include a rack that is fixedly connected to one of said chassis portions and is slideably connected to the other of the chassis portions and a spacing motor. The spacing motor operates a pinion gear engaged with the rack.
Implementation Method 3
A universal joint may be connected with the shaft to accommodate flexing between the first and second chassis portions.
Data Source
AI summary
A warehouse shuttle includes a chassis made up of first and second chassis portions and an article-carrying area between the chassis portions. Pairs of first and second running wheels are provided on the chassis to travel along the runway. One of a pair of arms is mounted to the first chassis portion and the other of the arms is mounted to the second chassis portion and are extendable and retractable to transfer an article between one of the shelves and the article-carrying area. A connector assembly connects the first and second chassis portions and can vary the spacing between the first and second chassis portions thereby varying the spacing between the arms to engage articles of different widths.