Virtual Coupling Between Guide Unit and Load Cart for Intralogistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forklifts are limited in their adaptability, require significant clearance, and pose safety risks in environments with human workers, while manual carts are labor-intensive and have limited load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a self-propelled load bearing cart with a remote controlled or autonomous guide unit, featuring a mechanical and electrical connection, computing unit, and optical sensors to navigate using projected or printed optical markers, allowing for efficient and safe intralogistics operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical coupling is permanently installed between transport modules, then mechanical stability and force transmission are improved, but device complexity and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coupling system transitions from static permanent connections to dynamic reconfigurable connections. The coupling elements can be selectively engaged and disengaged based on operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical structure dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by providing both mechanical stability when coupled and operational flexibility when decoupled.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into separate, modular components that can independently engage or disengage. Rather than a permanent integrated connection, the system uses separable coupling elements that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the transport modules to maintain mechanical stability during operation while enabling easy reconfiguration and reducing overall system complexity.
2Force
If transport modules are permanently coupled, then force transmission and stability are improved, but adaptability and reconfigurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system enables dynamic adjustment of force transmission capabilities. When operational requirements demand high force transmission, the coupling elements engage to provide stable mechanical connection. When adaptability is needed, the elements can disengage to allow reconfiguration. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between force transmission and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as force transmission mechanisms when engaged and as enablement for reconfiguration when disengaged. This universal design allows the same component to support both high force transmission requirements and system adaptability needs, resolving the apparent contradiction between these two functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical coupling elements are added to enable connection, then mechanical interconnection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than adding complex coupling mechanisms throughout the entire transport module structure, the coupling elements are localized to specific connection points. This localized approach provides the necessary coupling capability only where needed, minimizing the impact on overall manufacturing complexity and cost while still enabling mechanical interconnection when required.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for intralogistics comprising a self-propelled load bearing cart (200, 200', 200", 200‴,200B) and a remote controlled or autonomous self-propelled guide unit (100,100'). The self-propelled load bearing cart (200, 200', 200", 200‴,200B) comprises a drive unit (223) comprising at least one drive wheel (222) for propelling the self-propelled load bearing cart (200, 200', 200", 200‴,200B), a mechanical connection (172), and a computing unit (253) connected to the drive unit (223). The computing unit (253) comprises a transceiving unit (253') for communicating with the remote controlled or autonomous self-propelled guide unit (100,100'), and the remote controlled or autonomous self-propelled guide unit (100,100') comprises a mechanical connection (171) configured to connect to the mechanical connection (172) of the self-propelled load bearing cart (200, 200', 200", 200‴,200B), such that a mechanical interconnection can be created between the remote controlled or autonomous self-propelled guide unit (100,100') and the self-propelled load bearing cart (200, 200', 200", 200‴,200B).