Tire Tote and AGV Handling for Dense Green Tire Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tire manufacturing processes, there is a need for efficient movement and storage of partially processed tires that require isolation and precise orientation to prevent damage and facilitate subsequent processing steps, while also allowing for tracking, sorting, and efficient use of factory space.
Innovation Solution
A carrier system with a round shape and upstanding legs for supporting green tires, allowing for hexagonal stacking and easy lifting, combined with a mobile unit and overhead retrieval system for transporting and positioning tires, ensuring precise orientation and minimizing contact between tires during storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional storage methods are used for partially processed tires, then storage capacity is limited, but space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing one tote inside another when the inner tote is empty, allowing vertical stacking and maximizing space utilization. The nested configuration enables compact storage arrangements while maintaining high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tote design transitions from traditional flat stacking to three-dimensional hexagonal stacking, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions more effectively. The hexagonal geometry with upstanding legs creates interstitial spaces that can be occupied by adjacent totes, enabling denser spatial arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If tires are stored in contact with each other, then space is saved, but tire quality deteriorates due to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tote employs a flexible or compliant base surface that can adapt to the tire's shape while providing isolation. This flexible interface allows the tire to be supported without rigid contact points that could cause damage, while still enabling compact storage arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tote acts as an intermediary between tires, providing a controlled interface that prevents direct tire-to-tire contact. The base of the tote serves as a mediating surface that supports the tire while isolating it from harmful contact with other tires or the storage floor.
3Device complexity
If manual handling methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but handling precision and orientation control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tote design creates an equipotential interface with the tire through its base geometry and support features, enabling smooth transfer and handling. The circular base and upstanding legs provide uniform contact points that facilitate precise orientation control during automated handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with automated systems that utilize the tote's standardized interface. The lifting members and upstanding legs are designed to work with automated handling equipment, substituting human operation with precision-controlled mechanical systems.
4Area of stationary object
If totes are stacked densely, then space utilization improves, but access for lifting and retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tote is segmented into distinct functional zones: the circular base for tire support, upstanding legs for structural integrity and stacking, and lifting members for retrieval. This segmentation allows each feature to serve its specific purpose while working together to enable both dense stacking and easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstanding legs serve multiple functions: providing structural support for stacking, creating interstitial spaces for adjacent totes, and serving as attachment points for lifting members. This multi-functionality enables the tote to achieve dense stacking while maintaining ease of retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The optimal packing density is such that supports for the accommodation units lies outside the lading envelope circle, but within the corner regions of the hexagons of the packing density pattern. The accommodation units have lifting fittings that are accessible from the corners of the hexagons, whether the same as those of the supports, or different ones. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles The guided vehicle may be electronically controlled to prick up and deliver workpieces from one location to another, and may include self-navigating software, and interactive communication with other guided vehicle to permit suitable routes to be chosen, or to permit obstacles to be avoided. The facility may include a vertical degree of freedom, or workpiece retrieval apparatus used for transferring workpieces between the storage accommodations and the automated guided vehicles, or to other locations. The workpiece retrieval apparatus may be mounted on a bridge, and may include a multi-element raising any lowering array that is biased to oppose torsional deflection of the lifting member.