Underslung Robot Guiderail for Ceiling-Suspended Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underslung robots require retrofitting of the floor by drilling to operate, which is invasive and disruptive, and cannot unload goods on the same floor without significant modifications.
Innovation Solution
A guiderail system comprising a main and auxiliary guiderail suspended in the air by a support frame, allowing the robot to travel without floor modifications, with road sign indicators and a power system enabling efficient navigation and unloading capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the robot walks on the ground floor, then the building structure can be simple, but the robot cannot unload goods on the same floor without retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the robot from ground-based operation to aerial operation by suspending it from the ceiling. This dimensional change allows the robot to access the same floor level for unloading without requiring floor retrofacing, as it operates from above rather than on the ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the robot walk on the ground and unload from above, the invention inverts the approach by suspending the robot from the ceiling so it hangs below and unloads onto the floor. This inversion resolves the contradiction by enabling same-floor unloading without ground-level retrofiting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the floor is retrofitted by drilling to enable unloading, then the robot can unload goods, but the building structure is damaged and construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional approach by suspending the robot from the ceiling rather than mounting it on the floor. This eliminates the need for floor drilling and retrofiting, as the robot operates from the ceiling side and unloads onto the floor surface without penetrating it.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the robot's operation plane from ground level to ceiling suspension, the system accesses the same functional space without modifying the floor structure. The unloading occurs at the floor surface level while the robot remains suspended above, avoiding any floor penetration requirements.
3Productivity
If the robot is positioned lower to unload on the same floor, then unloading efficiency improves, but the robot requires support structures that complicate installation
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling support structure serves multiple functions: it suspends the robot, provides positioning, and enables same-floor unloading. By utilizing the existing ceiling infrastructure, the system achieves complex positioning and unloading capabilities without requiring additional complex support structures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a guiderail of an underslung robot, an underslung robot and an operating system thereof. The guiderail of an underslung robot includes: a main guiderail, suspended in the air by a support frame; and an auxiliary guiderail, communicating with the main guiderail and suspended in the air by a support frame. An intersection of the main guiderail and the auxiliary guiderail is provided with a gap through which a traveling underslung robot can pass. The guiderail further includes path indicators mounted on the main guiderail and the auxiliary guiderail. An underslung robot, comprising: wheels for bearing the underslung robot, wherein at least one of the wheels is a power wheel; and two booms, wherein the top of the booms is connected to the wheels, the bottom of the booms is connected to a frame of the underslung robot.