Warehouse Transfer Arms for Variable-Size Article Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated warehouses face challenges in efficiently handling articles of various sizes using conventional article transport devices, necessitating a novel configuration that facilitates seamless transfer of articles of different dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The automated warehouse incorporates a mobile body with extendable arms and a movable portion that adjusts its support positions based on article length, allowing flexible transfer between storage positions and transport mechanisms, enabling efficient handling of articles of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both support positions of the first arm and the second arm are changed depending on the article length, then the article transport device can handle articles of various sizes, but the control process becomes complex and the computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the arm adjustment into two independent segments: one arm's support position is fixed while the other arm's support position is adjusted based on article length. This segmentation simplifies the control system by eliminating the need to coordinate both arms simultaneously, reducing computational complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various article sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting both arms to accommodate different article sizes (symmetrical adjustment), the patent inverts the approach by fixing one arm and only adjusting the other arm (asymmetrical adjustment). This inversion simplifies the control logic while achieving the same goal of adapting to various article dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both support positions of the first arm and the second arm are changed depending on the article length, then the article transport device can handle articles of various sizes, but the speed of article transfer decreases due to extensive positional adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the arm adjustment function into a fixed component (one arm) and a variable component (the other arm), the system reduces the number of movements required. Only one arm needs to be repositioned for each article size change, cutting the adjustment time approximately in half compared to adjusting both arms, thereby increasing transfer speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed support position of one arm is predetermined and set in advance, eliminating the need for real-time calculation and adjustment of both arms. This preliminary setup allows for faster response when article size changes occur, as only one arm requires dynamic adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both support positions of the first arm and the second arm are changed depending on the article length, then the article transport device can handle articles of various sizes, but the number of moving parts increases leading to higher device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arm adjustment mechanism into a stationary support (for one arm) and a movable support (for the other arm). This segmentation reduces the number of moving parts by eliminating the need for a movable support on one side, thereby simplifying the mechanical structure while preserving size adaptability through the single movable arm.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated warehouse includes: a storage shelf; a mobile body including a base; a first arm supported by the base; a second arm supported by the base; and a movable portion capable of causing an article to move between the mobile body and a first transport mechanism and between the mobile body and a second transport mechanism. In a state where the mobile body is located at a first transfer position, the support position of the second arm is fixed and the support position of the first arm is changed depending on a length of the article in a first direction. Alternatively, in a state where the mobile body is located at a second transfer position, the support position of the first arm is fixed and the support position of the second arm is changed depending on the length of the article in the first direction.