Vehicle Loading and Shifting Mechanisms for Faster Object Staging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling in logistics networks for loading, shifting, and staging objects is time-consuming and inefficient, limiting the speed and precision of these processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated or semi-automated systems, including loading mechanisms, shifting mechanisms, and door assemblies, which utilize actuators, sensors, and control systems to facilitate the movement and organization of objects within vehicles and storage spaces, allowing for coordinated and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for loading, shifting, and staging objects, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a loading mechanism with actuators for vertical and horizontal movement, a shifting mechanism with独立的 shifting structures, and a door assembly with door-shifting mechanisms. Each module operates independently but coordinates through a control system, allowing high productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading mechanism serves multiple functions: it loads storage structures onto the vehicle, shifts them horizontally along the vehicle length, and coordinates with the shifting mechanism for vertical positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms, balancing productivity improvement with device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If automated systems are implemented for object handling, then speed and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives input from sensors that monitor the positions of storage structures, shifting structures, and door assemblies. This feedback enables precise positioning by continuously adjusting actuator movements based on actual position data, achieving high measurement precision while managing automation complexity through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes self-positioning capabilities where the loading mechanism automatically aligns storage structures with the shifting mechanism, and the door-shifting mechanisms automatically position doors based on storage structure locations. This self-service automation reduces the need for complex external control while maintaining high positioning precision.
3Productivity
If multiple actuator assemblies are used for coordinated movement, then productivity and efficiency are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loading mechanism combines a first actuator assembly for vertical movement and a second actuator assembly for horizontal movement into a single integrated unit. This merging allows coordinated loading operations without requiring separate mechanisms for each movement type, enhancing productivity while managing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and/or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.