Automated Storage Vehicles With Suspension Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently handling and processing items with minimal contact and ecological footprint, particularly in terms of speed, reliability, and adaptability to diverse item properties.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a suspension arrangement that includes independently movable vehicles equipped with gripping units, allowing for contactless and autonomous item handling, utilizing crawler-type vehicles that move along a structured path with active motion in multiple directions, and integrating inspection equipment for monitoring item status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional automated storage and retrieval systems use fixed robotic arms and conveyors to handle items, then item handling can be performed with mechanical precision, but the system complexity increases and adaptability to diverse item properties decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the robotic arm configurable and adaptable through software control rather than fixed mechanical design. The robotic arm can adjust its movement patterns, gripping force, and trajectory dynamically based on item properties detected by sensors, allowing the same physical hardware to handle diverse items without reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed as a universal handling device that can perform multiple functions: gripping different item shapes, adjusting grip force for fragile items, varying movement speeds for different weights, and adapting trajectories for various storage locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment for each item type.
2Reliability
If inspection equipment is integrated into the automated storage and retrieval system for real-time item monitoring, then item status can be tracked reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection equipment is merged with the existing robotic arm and sensor systems. The same cameras and sensors used for item detection and positioning are also used for inspection purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated inspection devices. The control system integrates both handling control and inspection functions into a unified software platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting item position for robotic arm navigation, identifying item properties for grip force adjustment, and monitoring item status for quality inspection. This multi-functional use of sensors reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If contactless handling methods are used to reduce ecological footprint and improve hygiene, then item contamination is minimized, but the gripping force and control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of contact force by using adjustable robotic grippers that can apply minimal force for contactless-like handling or increase force when necessary. The gripper design allows for soft contact with adjustable pressure, enabling the system to adapt between nearly contactless handling for sensitive items and firm contact for robust items, all while maintaining precision through closed-loop force control.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2j
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system for the storing of items in a storing arrangement, characterized in that a suspension arrangement for lifting, transferring and lowering the items is arranged oriented to at least one transfer area for the items, wherein the suspension arrangement comprises - at least one structure (610) extending in at least two spatial directions, wherein the structure (610) comprises a plurality of profile units extending in a first spatial direction, wherein the structure defines at least one structural regularity in a second spatial direction, - at least one vehicle, exhibiting a plurality of suspension elements configured for suspending the vehicle and configured for coupling the vehicle to the at least one structure.