Bi-directional Shuttle Linkage Mechanism for Single-Motor Wheel Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bi-directional shuttles for warehousing require intricate mechanisms or additional motors to lift one set of wheels relative to another, which is problematic due to space constraints and added complexity.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional shuttle design that uses a single motor to vertically displace the lifting platform, allowing angular displacement of a link with a bearing surface to raise or lower primary wheels relative to secondary wheels, eliminating the need for additional motors by incorporating a limiter to guide the bearing surface's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an intricate mechanism with additional motors is used to lift one set of wheels relative to another, then the shuttle can achieve bi-directional movement capability, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wheel lifting function with the existing lifting platform mechanism. The single motor that drives the lifting platform is also used to raise and lower one set of wheels relative to the other, merging two functions into one mechanism and eliminating the need for additional motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting platform motor performs multiple functions: it raises and lowers the support platform for loading/unloading goods, and simultaneously raises and lowers one set of wheels to enable bi-directional movement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an intricate mechanism with additional motors is used to lift one set of wheels relative to another, then the shuttle can achieve bi-directional movement capability, but the space requirements increase which is problematic for fitting underneath stored goods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidshuttle height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single motor is used to control both lifting platform and wheel displacement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision for each function may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor quantityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamically reconfigurable mechanism where the linkage geometry changes based on the operational mode. The bearing surface moves along a curved path defined by the limiter, automatically adjusting the mechanical advantage and motion characteristics depending on whether the platform is being raised or wheels are being elevated, maintaining precision without additional motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and compact operation of bi-directional shuttles without additional motors, allowing seamless transition between primary and secondary wheels for navigating warehouse storage zones.

Implementation Method 1

angular displacement of the link about the pivot axis causes the support platform operatively to be raised or lowered

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular displacement:

Implementation Method 2

a link that is pivotally connected to the carriage about a link pivot axis, and that includes a bearing surface that is spaced from the link pivot axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLever mechanism: Lever

Implementation Method 3

the bearing surface is a roller that is rotatably connected to the link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling motion: Roller

Implementation Method 4

the limiter defines a rail in which the roller is captured, but moveable there along

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical constraint: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12091248B2Bi-directional shuttle

Publication Date: 2024.09.17 STORAGE MANAGEMENT SYST (PTY) LTD

AI summary

A bi-directional shuttle (10) includes: (i) a support platform (14) for supporting goods thereon; (ii) a carriage (12); (iii) at least two primary wheels (22) rotatably connected to the carriage; (iv) at least two secondary wheels (24) fixed against displacement relative to the support platform; the axes of rotation of the secondary wheels being perpendicular to the axes of rotation of the primary wheels; (v) a link (16) that is pivotally connected to the carriage about a link pivot axis, and that includes a bearing surface (30) that is spaced from the link pivot axis; and (vi) a limiter (32) that limits displacement of the bearing surface away from the support platform. When: (a) the primary wheels protrude further from the support platform than the secondary wheels, angular displacement of the link about the pivot axis causes the support platform operatively to be raised or lowered: and (b) the secondary wheels protrude further from the support platform than the primary wheels, angular displacement of the link about the link pivot axis causes the carriage operatively to be raised or lowered.