Automated Warehouse Shuttle Dual-Wheel Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated warehouse systems require complex and costly constructions involving parent and satellite vehicles, which can be simplified by using a single shuttle that can reliably navigate within the warehouse aisles without altering the metal structures.
Innovation Solution
A single automated warehouse shuttle with a specific wheel configuration that allows it to travel along accumulation and service aisles, using a combination of wheels that rest on Z-shaped brackets and parallel rails, enabling smooth navigation and support without the need for separate parent and satellite vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single shuttle is used instead of parent and satellite vehicles, then device complexity is reduced and cost is decreased, but reliability of navigation and support may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle's wheel system is segmented into two distinct sets: first wheels for traveling on runways in service aisles, and second wheels for traveling on runways in accumulation aisles. This segmentation allows each wheel set to be optimized for its specific operational context, ensuring reliable navigation while maintaining a single integrated vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle employs dynamic wheel selection based on location and task. The control system activates the appropriate set of wheels (first or second) depending on whether the shuttle is in a service aisle or accumulation aisle, enabling adaptive navigation that maintains reliability across different operational environments.
2Reliability
If the shuttle uses different wheel sets for different aisles, then navigation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle merges two wheel sets into a single integrated vehicle structure. The first wheels and second wheels are both supported by the same shuttle frame and controlled by a unified control system, allowing the shuttle to function as a single vehicle while incorporating specialized wheel configurations for different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The shuttle is designed as a universal vehicle that can perform multiple functions: traveling in service aisles using first wheels, traveling in accumulation aisles using second wheels, and operating independently without requiring separate parent and satellite vehicles. This multi-functionality is achieved through the integrated dual-wheel configuration.
3Productivity
If the shuttle passes underneath pallets in accumulation aisles, then productivity is improved, but risk of collision or jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second wheels are specifically positioned and configured to enable the shuttle to pass underneath pallets in accumulation aisles. The local structural characteristics of the shuttle, including wheel placement and frame design, are optimized for this specific operational requirement, allowing safe passage under pallets without collision.
4Ease of manufacture
If the warehouse structure uses Z-shaped brackets for runways, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the shuttle requires additional wheel components
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel system is segmented into location-specific sets: first wheels configured for Z-shaped brackets in service aisles, and second wheels configured for parallel rails in accumulation aisles. This segmentation allows each wheel set to be optimized for its specific runway type, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while accommodating different structural configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated warehouse shuttle (6) has a frame (25) and an upper surface (26), which is adapted to support a loading unit (3), and is actuated by an actuating device to be lifted/lowered with respect to the frame (25); the frame (25) supports a first set of wheels (31) consisting of wheels defining resting points at a first level and are configured so as to roll along a first and a second directions (5a, 5b), which are horizontal and orthogonal to each other; furthermore, the frame (25) supports a second set of wheels (41) constituted by wheels which define resting points at a second level, higher than the first, and are configured so as to roll along the first direction (5a).