Automated Shuttle Coupling for Precise Trolley Queue Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object handling systems for queuing goods face challenges such as high costs and complexity due to the need for large drive and stop mechanisms to manage the movement and queuing of heavy items, and require manual intervention for positioning and handling, which increases operational complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
The system employs automated shuttles with wheels that can move along a track, engaging and disengaging with trolleys to manage their position, using detectors to accurately position objects and reduce the need for large drive mechanisms, and automated guided vehicles for loading and unloading, allowing for efficient and automated handling of trolleys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional transfer machines with multiple independent stations are used, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transfer machine functions (transfer, washing, drying, dispensing) into a single integrated transfer station. The transfer apparatus includes a carrier with multiple arms that can perform different operations at different locations during a single rotational cycle, eliminating the need for separate independent stations for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer apparatus is designed as a universal station that can perform multiple functions (transferring, washing, drying, dispensing, heating) within a single station structure. The carrier arms can be configured to perform different operations, and the station can handle various container types and sizes, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate dedicated stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent transfer stations are used, then functional versatility is improved, but the area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear arrangement of multiple independent stations occupying horizontal space to a vertical arrangement where multiple functions are stacked within a single station. The carrier rotates vertically, allowing washing, drying, and dispensing operations to occur at different vertical levels within the same footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional stations (transfer, wash, dry, dispense) are merged into a single integrated transfer station structure. The carrier arms extend to different locations within the station, allowing all functions to be performed within one compact unit rather than requiring separate stations arranged in a line.
3Adaptability or versatility
If objects are transferred between multiple independent stations, then processing functions are improved, but object handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier rotates continuously in a single direction, allowing objects to be transferred and processed without stopping or reversing. Multiple operations (transfer, wash, dry, dispense) are performed in sequence during a single continuous rotational cycle, eliminating the time losses associated with starting and stopping at each independent station.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier arms are pre-positioned at different locations around the rotation path, allowing multiple operations to be prepared in advance. While the carrier rotates, objects are simultaneously transferred, washed, dried, and dispensed at different positions, maximizing the utilization of each rotational cycle and minimizing total handling time.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated shuttle (4) for transporting trolleys (6) in an object handling system (2) is disclosed. The shuttle (4) comprises drive means for moving the shuttle along a track (10), and connector devices having a first condition, in which the connector device can engage a trolley (6) to enable the shuttle (4) to move the trolley (6) along the track (10), and a second condition, in which the shuttle (4) can move along the track (10) without engaging the trolley (6). The shuttle (4) includes a position detector for detecting a position of the shuttle (4) relative to the track (6), and an object location sensing device for detecting a position of the shuttle (4) relative to at least one trolley (6).