Toggle Mechanism Cam Follower Alignment for AGV Workpiece Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated guided vehicles (AGVs) face challenges with wide moving spaces, difficulty in position adjustment, and restricted movement due to the tandem connection of autonomous traveling units and workpiece loading units, as well as high costs associated with large, rigid workpiece loading units.

Innovation Solution

The use of toggle mechanisms with displaceable bodies and cam followers on the autonomous traveling unit to securely connect and position the workpiece loading unit without the need for pins or engaging holes, allowing for easy alignment and reduced energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the autonomous traveling unit and workpiece loading unit are connected in tandem (towing type), then the connection is simple, but the moving space required is wide and position adjustment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection structureVSAvoidmoving space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal tandem connection (towing type) to a vertical stacked connection, where the workpiece loading unit is positioned above the autonomous traveling unit. This dimensional change allows the AGV to move through narrow spaces without requiring wide lateral clearance, while maintaining simple connection structure through vertical engagement features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of connecting the workpiece loading unit to the front or rear of the autonomous traveling unit (horizontal connection), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the workpiece loading unit above the autonomous traveling unit (vertical connection). This inversion resolves the space requirement issue while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If pins with large diameter are used to connect the autonomous traveling unit and workpiece loading unit, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the workpiece loading unit size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidworkpiece loading unit size

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin engagement features (engagement protrusions and engagement holes) instead of large diameter pins. The vertical stacking arrangement with precise engagement geometry provides sufficient connection strength while minimizing the size of the workpiece loading unit, avoiding the need for large reinforcing structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from horizontal pin diameter to vertical engagement geometry. By utilizing the vertical dimension for connection, the design achieves sufficient strength with much smaller engagement features, reducing the overall size and cost of the workpiece loading unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration simplifies the structure of the autonomous traveling unit, downsizes the workpiece loading unit, reduces costs, and enables flexible movement directions while saving space and energy.

Implementation Method 1

cam followers respectively provided on the displaceable bodies; and a member to be clamped on the workpiece loading unit, the cam followers advancing to the member to be clamped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Implementation Method 2

at least one pair of toggle mechanisms provided on the autonomous traveling unit and including displaceable bodies that are synchronously displaceable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectToggle mechanism: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS10525867B2Transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An autonomous traveling unit is provided with a pair of toggle mechanisms. The toggle mechanisms respectively have displaceable bodies provided with cam followers. A workpiece loading unit is provided with a member in an X shape to be clamped. The cam followers are respectively advanced to a pair of opposing corners (a first crossing portion and a second crossing portion) of the member to be clamped. When advancing to the pair of opposing corners, the cam followers are respectively brought into abutment on the member to be clamped, whereby the workpiece loading unit is restrained on the autonomous traveling unit.