Autonomous conveyance robot for cross-dock operations
AssigneeInnovative Logistics, Inc.
InventorsJefferson Maldonado, Dylan Henderson, Srijith Umakanth, David Albers, Mark Belin, Kenneth Lee Noblitt, Brock Mcallister
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed herein is an automated conveyance robot (ACR) for conveying movable platforms (MPs) in and out of trailers. A lift carriage at a first end of the ACR is configured to couple to the MP during movement and disengage after movement. A counterweight system at a second end of the ACR counterbalances the ACR during conveyance. The ACR comprises a front drive assembly and a rear drive assembly which are independently steerable to allow for different steering methods. The ACR can function fully automated or can be controlled.
Claims21
An automated conveyance robot comprising:
- a main frame having a front end and a rear end;
- a rear drive assembly coupled to the main frame near the rear end of the main frame;
- a front drive assembly,
- wherein a first end of the front drive assembly is coupled to the front end of the main frame;
- a power system for powering the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly;
- a counterweight assembly independently removably coupled to a top surface at the rear end of the main frame;
- a lift carriage pivotally coupled to a second end of the front drive assembly by a pivot joint at the second end,
- wherein the first end is opposite the second end, and
- wherein the lift carriage is configured to removably coupled to a moveable platform.
An automated conveyance robot comprising:
- a main frame having a front end and a rear end;
- a rear drive assembly coupled to the main frame near a rear end of the main frame;
- a front drive assembly,
- wherein a first end of the front drive assembly is coupled to the front end of the main frame;
- a power system for powering the rear drive assembly and the front drive assembly;
- a counterweight assembly independently removably coupled to the rear end of the main frame;
- a lift carriage pivotally coupled to a second end of the front drive assembly by a pivot joint,
- wherein the lift carriage is configured to removably couple to a moveable platform,
- wherein the front drive assembly comprises:
- a first steering unit for powering a first wheel;
- and
- a second steering unit for powering a second wheel,
- wherein the first steering unit and second steering unit are independently powered;
- and
- a dual acting cylinder,
- wherein a first end of the dual acting cylinder is configured to independently steer the first steering unit, and
- wherein a second end of the dual acting cylinder is configured to independently steer the second steering unit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.