Trolley Steering Wheel Alignment via Gravity Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In logistics, stacked trolleys with steerable wheels often have misaligned steering wheels, making them difficult to optimally group on pallets for transport, as existing methods require separate alignment processes or tools.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using sensors, such as digital cameras, to detect and correct the alignment of trolleys and their steering wheels during transfer to a conveyor line by an articulated-arm robot, allowing for three-dimensional movement control to align wheels via tilting and gravity-assisted positioning, potentially aided by guide elements on the conveyor line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate alignment processes or tools are used to align steering wheels, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and process time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley itself performs the alignment function through its own steering wheels and gravity. When the articulated arm robot tilts the trolley, the steering wheels automatically align themselves without requiring external alignment tools or separate alignment processes. The trolley's structure and gravity work together to achieve alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is merged with the lifting and transfer operation. The articulated arm robot performs both the lifting/transfer function and the alignment function in a single integrated operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment processes or additional alignment devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate alignment processes are implemented, then wheel alignment accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment operation is combined with the lifting and transfer operation. The articulated arm robot performs lifting, transfer, and alignment in a single continuous motion sequence, eliminating idle time between operations and improving overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment action is performed preliminarily during the lifting phase before the trolley reaches the conveyor line. This preliminary alignment ensures that when the trolley is placed on the conveyor, the steering wheels are already properly aligned, eliminating the need for post-transfer alignment operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional alignment tools or aids are used, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the trolley's own weight and structure to achieve alignment without requiring external alignment tools. The steering wheels and trolley body work together with gravity to self-align during the tilting process.
Solution Approach 2:
Gravity acts as an intermediary force that facilitates the alignment process. When the articulated arm robot tilts the trolley, gravity causes the steering wheels to naturally align themselves, serving as an invisible but effective alignment mechanism without requiring physical alignment tools.
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
Enables efficient and tool-free alignment of trolleys and wheels during transfer, ensuring optimal positioning without additional steps or aids, improving logistics efficiency and reducing misalignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
the trolley is tilted about a horizontal axis after being lifted by the lifting device, so that the usually two steering wheels are together above or below the rigid wheels and are align the two steering wheels equally or substantially equally by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for de-palletizing and moving roll carts, called dollies (dolly) having at least two steering wheels supported rotatably about a vertical axis. The roll carts are thereby delivered to a task area, de-palletized and/or unstacked by means of a lift device, such as an articulated arm robot, as needed, and subsequently transferred to a transport or moving section adjoining the task area. Substantially, the alignment of a roll cart and/or the steering wheels thereof is detected by a sensor, such as a digital camera, before setting it on the transport and moving section, the sensor being connected to a suitable computer-aided evaluation unit, and the motion of the lifting device, typically an articulated arm robot, is controlled depending on the captured measured values.