Powered Trolley Movable Support Finger Bin Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse logistics systems face instability during transport due to overhanging bins and require complex actuation for bin removal, and they are inefficient in storing bins closely spaced on shelves.
Innovation Solution
A powered trolley with a movable support having protruding fingers that engage with fingerprints on the bin bottom to lift and pull the bin from below, allowing for stable transport and efficient storage in a rack system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If telescopic fork technique is used to pick bins from high shelves, then bins can be picked from high positions, but the bins overhang the fork during transport causing robot instability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of picking bins from above with an overhanging fork, the invention inverts the approach by using a support that extends from below the bin. The support protrudes upward through the bottom of the bin, engaging with fingerprints on the bin's bottom surface. This eliminates the overhang problem and stabilizes the bin during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional approach by moving the gripping mechanism from a horizontal extension (fork) to a vertical engagement (support protruding from below). The support extends in the vertical dimension through the bin bottom, rather than horizontally from the side, fundamentally changing how the bin is engaged and transported.
2Reliability
If non-bending forks are used to prevent resting on bins below, then bin picking is reliable, but the robot becomes heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed to be movable relative to the chassis, capable of extending and retracting. This dynamic design allows the support to bend or flex under load rather than requiring a rigid, heavy non-bending fork. The support can adapt its shape during operation while maintaining reliable bin engagement.
3Ease of operation
If two arms with fingers are used to pull bins from sides, then bins can be removed, but space between bins is required reducing storage density
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of approaching the bin from the sides with arms that require clearance space, the invention approaches from below. The support protrudes upward through the bottom of the bin, eliminating the need for lateral clearance. This allows bins to be stored closely together while still enabling easy removal.
4Manufacturing precision
If two arms with actuators for each finger are used, then bin gripping is precise, but the system becomes complex to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple fingers into a single integrated support structure. Instead of having separate actuators for each finger, the support acts as a unified element that engages with the bin bottom. This simplifies the system while maintaining precise gripping capability through the coordinated movement of the single support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and transport system in a warehouse for an object intended to be stored in a rack of the warehouse. The system includes: a bin suitable for accommodating the object; and a powered trolley capable of climbing along the rack including a device for gripping and removing the bin. The gripping and removal device includes a support mounted so as to be movable relative to the chassis of the trolley between: an extended position, in which the support extends at least partially on a lateral edge of the carriage out of alignment with the chassis; and a retracted position, in which the support is housed opposite the chassis. The support includes a structural element and a protruding finger fixed with respect to the structural element and facing upward. The bottom of the bin has a fingerprint configured to accommodate a portion of the finger.