Warehouse Picking Fork Control Without Cables

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated warehouse devices face issues with high construction complexity, increased dimensions, and reduced reliability due to the use of cables for powering and controlling fork movements, which also limit symmetric box movement and clutter storage space.

Innovation Solution

A device with wireless communication and rechargeable secondary power supply for fork control units, eliminating the need for cables and allowing forks to extend on both sides, reducing construction complexity and enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cables and cable chains are used to power and control fork movements, then the forks can be powered and controlled, but the construction complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power and control system with a wireless communication system. The control unit communicates wirelessly with the peripheral control units, eliminating the need for physical cables that connect the forks to the main system. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the source of complexity and reliability issues while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the cable chains and wiring from the system. By taking out these problematic components, the invention eliminates the associated construction complexity and reliability issues. The control signals and power transmission are achieved through wireless communication, allowing the forks to operate independently without physical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Volume of moving object

If cables and cable chains are used for fork control, then power and control are transmitted, but the overall dimensions increase and compactness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidoverall dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based system with wireless communication technology. This eliminates the need for cable chains and wiring that would increase the overall dimensions of the device. The wireless approach allows for a more compact configuration while maintaining all necessary control and power transmission functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If forks are continuously moved back and forth telescopically, then the device can access different warehouse locations, but cable wear and detachment increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefork movement rangeVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power and control system with wireless communication. This eliminates the cables that would suffer from continuous movement, wear, and potential detachment. The forks can continue their telescopic movement to access different warehouse locations without compromising cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the cable chains from the system, taking out the component that would be subject to continuous wear and stress. This allows the forks to move freely in their telescopic configuration without the risk of cable failure, thereby maintaining high reliability during repeated operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If motors and control electronics are positioned aboard the forks, then fork control is enabled, but the storage space becomes cluttered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefork control capabilityVSAvoidstorage space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired control system with wireless communication, allowing the control electronics to be positioned remotely from the forks. This eliminates the need to mount motors and control units directly on the forks, thereby clearing up storage space while maintaining full fork control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12473147B2Device for picking and/or depositing items for automated warehouses

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 AUTOMHA SPA

AI summary

A device for picking or depositing an item from or into a compartment of an automated warehouse has first moving means for moving the device along a main direction and primary electrical power supply means having a pair of forks moved by second moving means along a transverse direction between a retracted position and an extended position. Each fork has an end section having at least one thrust element movable between an operating position and an idle position. The end section has third moving means for moving the at least one thrust element. A central control unit commands moving parts of the device. The end section has a peripheral control unit for the third moving means. The end section has rechargeable secondary electrical power supply means for supplying power to the peripheral control unit and to the third moving means.