Mobile Shuttle Payload Tines for Handling Diverse Object Geometries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) face limitations in reliably handling a wide range of object geometries, particularly for unboxed items and those with varying sizes and shapes, leading to inefficiencies and the need for human intervention due to single-point failures.

Innovation Solution

An automated mobile shuttle system with a mobile chassis, payload surface featuring tines and a payload translation system that can engage recessed areas, along with a segmented payload elevation system for orthogonal movements, allowing flexible handling and storage of diverse objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional crane-based systems or existing shuttle systems are used, then system structure is simpler, but they cannot reliably handle a wide range of object geometries including unboxed items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capability for various object geometriesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The payload interface is made dynamic through the payload translation system that can move the payload between engaged and disengaged states. The tines can translate horizontally to engage with recessed areas of diverse objects or disengage to accommodate items of varying geometries, enabling the system to adapt to different object types without requiring complex custom fixtures for each item type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The payload interface with multiple tines and translation capability serves multiple functions: it can engage with recessed areas of boxed items, accommodate unboxed items of various shapes and sizes, and provide consistent payload support across different storage bin types. This universal interface eliminates the need for item-specific handling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing shuttle systems with fixed payload interfaces are used, then device complexity is reduced, but they require boxes to be presented in bins or totes and cannot handle unboxed loose items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various object types including unboxed itemsVSAvoidpayload interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The payload interface transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic position through the payload translation system. The tines can move horizontally along the payload support surface to engage with recessed areas of objects regardless of their initial position, enabling handling of unboxed items and various geometries while maintaining a relatively simple interface structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameter of the payload interface through translation. By allowing the tines to move along the payload support surface, the system can adapt to objects with different geometries and positions without changing the fundamental structure of the payload interface, thereby handling diverse items including unboxed loose items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If systems with reaching behind objects are used, then compatibility with rectangular-base cardboard boxes is achieved, but reliability decreases for unboxed loose items with varying size, shape, and material characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of unboxed loose items with varying characteristicsVSAvoidreliability of payload handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The payload translation system provides dynamic adjustment of the payload interface position to reliably engage with objects of varying characteristics. The tines can translate to find and engage recessed areas on objects regardless of their size, shape, or material, ensuring consistent and reliable handling of unboxed loose items without requiring human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The payload translation system automatically adjusts the position of the tines to engage with objects based on their geometry and position on the payload support surface. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures reliable engagement with diverse objects including unboxed items without requiring external assistance or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12570469B2Systems and methods for providing mobile shuttle load handling systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

An object processing system including at least one automated mobile shuttle is disclosed that includes a mobile chassis unit for moving the automated mobile shuttle in a first direction, a payload for supporting at least one object thereon, said payload including a plurality of tines, and a payload translation system for translating the payload toward a receiving surface in at least a second direction that is orthogonal with respect to the first direction, the payload translation system providing that the plurality of tines are adapted to engage recessed areas within the receiving surface.