Toggle Mechanism Coupling for Autonomous Transport Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicles with autonomous traveling units and workpiece loading units face challenges in positioning and coupling, requiring large movement spaces, increased costs due to larger workpiece loading units for rigidity, and restricted directional movement.
Innovation Solution
A transport vehicle equipped with a toggle mechanism featuring sliders and cam followers that synchronize to position and couple the autonomous traveling unit and workpiece loading unit, eliminating the need for engagement holes and pins, allowing for compact design and improved positioning accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a pin and engagement hole structure is used to couple the autonomous traveling unit and workpiece loading unit, then the coupling strength is sufficient to handle weight load, but the workpiece loading unit size must be increased to ensure rigidity when the engagement hole diameter is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a pin structure provided in the autonomous traveling unit and an engagement hole structure provided in the workpiece loading unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the pin can be made with sufficient diameter for strength without increasing the overall workpiece loading unit size, as the pin is a separate element that can be inserted into the engagement hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling problem is solved by transitioning from a single large engagement hole approach to a pin-inserted-into-hole approach, adding the dimensional element of pin diameter as a separate parameter. This allows the engagement hole diameter to be optimized for positioning accuracy while the pin diameter provides the necessary coupling strength, decoupling the size requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diameter of the engagement hole is increased to tolerate relative position gap, then the coupling accommodates positioning errors, but the workpiece loading unit size must be increased to ensure rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The tolerance function is segmented from the workpiece loading unit structure and embodied in the separate pin element. The engagement hole can be made smaller and more precise, while the pin's fit within the hole provides the necessary tolerance accommodation through its own dimensional specifications and fit type (e.g., clearance fit, interference fit).
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the critical parameter from engagement hole diameter to pin diameter and fit type. By controlling the pin's dimensional parameters and its relationship to the engagement hole (clearance, transition, or interference fit), the system achieves position gap tolerance without requiring a larger engagement hole, thus avoiding increased workpiece loading unit size.
3Device complexity
If a towing AGV structure is used with workpiece loading unit before or after autonomous traveling unit, then the coupling is simple, but a large movement space is necessary and positioning is difficult due to free shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-positioned in the autonomous traveling unit at the correct location and orientation before coupling occurs. When the workpiece loading unit approaches, the pin automatically aligns with and enters the engagement hole, achieving quick and accurate coupling without requiring large adjustment spaces or complex positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical positioning and alignment systems would be required in towing configurations are replaced by the simple pin-and-hole geometric constraint system. The pin's fixed position in the autonomous traveling unit and the engagement hole's corresponding position in the workpiece loading unit create automatic alignment, eliminating the need for large movement spaces and complex mechanical guidance.
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
The solution simplifies the structure, reduces costs, enhances positioning accuracy, conserves energy, and allows for unrestricted directional movement, including backward and sideward movement, while maintaining strong coupling and reducing space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
cam followers each provided in the plurality of sliders; and a clamped portion provided in the workpiece loading unit, the cam followers configured to enter the clamped portion
Implementation Method 2
a toggle mechanism provided in the autonomous traveling unit and including a plurality of sliders configured to be displaced in synchronization with each other
Data Source
AI summary
In an autonomous traveling unit, a toggle mechanism including a plurality of sliders is provided. In the plurality of sliders, cam followers are provided, respectively. Meanwhile, in a workpiece loading unit, a clamped portion is provided. As a result of the cam followers, which are displaced so as to separate away from each other, entering intersection portions of the clamped portion, the workpiece loading unit is restrained by the autonomous traveling unit.