Robotic Retrieval Vehicle Vertical Travel via Chain Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic retrieval vehicles in high-density storage systems require costly and prone-to-malfunction mechanisms for wheel retraction during vertical travel, limiting efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a latch mechanism with actuated gates or smart mechanisms that allow wheels to pass through without retraction, combined with a swerve drive system and a chain or belt drive mechanism for vertical movement, enables efficient and reliable travel in both X and Y orientations with reduced mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wheel retraction mechanisms are used for vertical travel, then the robotic retrieval vehicle can access storage locations vertically, but the system becomes more complex and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wheel retraction mechanism entirely by extracting this complex component from the system. Instead of retracting wheels for vertical travel, the invention uses a fixed wheel configuration with a chain drive mechanism that allows the vehicle to travel vertically without mechanical retraction, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining vertical mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel retraction system with a chain drive mechanism. Instead of using complex mechanical retraction to enable vertical travel, the system uses a chain that engages with the wheels to provide vertical movement, simplifying the overall mechanical system while achieving the same functional goal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wheel retraction mechanisms are implemented, then vertical movement is enabled, but reliability decreases due to malfunction-prone components
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the wheel retraction mechanism entirely, the patent eliminates the source of reliability problems. The fixed wheel configuration with chain drive avoids the malfunction-prone retraction mechanism while maintaining vertical movement capability, thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain drive mechanism replaces the unreliable mechanical retraction system with a simpler, more reliable vertical movement solution. The chain provides consistent vertical travel without the complexity and failure points associated with retraction mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional wheel retraction systems are used, then the robotic vehicle can change orientation, but the number of wheels and mechanical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wheels multi-functional by designing them to serve both horizontal and vertical movement purposes. The fixed wheels, combined with the chain drive mechanism, allow the same wheel components to function in multiple orientations and movement types, eliminating the need for additional wheels or complex retraction mechanisms.
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 solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of robotic retrieval vehicles by eliminating the need for costly wheel retraction mechanisms and allowing seamless vertical travel, while also reducing the number of wheels required, thus simplifying the system and improving operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
a chain or belt drive mechanism for vertical movement
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for a storage and retrieval systems, and more specifically to a three dimensional storage and retrieval system in which storage cells featuring multiple storage locations disposed around a central void are stacked in alignment with one another such that the central voids in each stack form a central shaft by which storage/retrieval vehicles can access every storage location from upper and lower track grids above and below the stacked array of storage locations.