Mobile configurable conveyor component
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorMark Anthony Messina
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mobile robotic device with a conveyor that is configured to link up with another conveyor of a second mobile robotic device is described. In this manner, the mobile robotic devices may provide integrated, flexible conveyors and the ability to link conveyors to make an aggregate conveyor of any shape or size. Moreover, the mobile robotic device is configured to receive a conveyor from a storage unit and move the conveyor to another point within a physical space. The mobile robotic device also has the capability to rotate the conveyor, when docked, about the axis of the mobile robotic device (e.g., for sorting and other operations).
Claims20
A first mobile robotic device comprising:
- a rotating head removably docked to a first conveyor, the rotating head configured to rotate the first conveyor as a whole, in at least one direction, when the rotating head and the first conveyor are docked the first conveyor including:
- a conveyor belt,
- a conveyor motor configured to move the conveyor belt,
- and
- a connector including a protruding portion, the protruding portion adapted to engage an opening of a connector receptacle of a second conveyor connected to a second mobile robotic device;
- a power module including a conveyor controller, the power module configured to supply power from an external power source to at least one of the conveyor motor and the conveyor controller when the rotating head and the first conveyor are docked;
- and
- a drive module coupled to the rotating head, the drive module comprising a motorized axle, a pair of motorized wheels, and a pair of stabilizing wheels, the drive module configured to move the first mobile robotic device, as a whole, in at least one direction.
A first robotic device comprising:
- a first conveyor, the first conveyor including:
- a conveyor belt;
- a conveyor motor coupled to at least one conveyor cylinder, the conveyor motor configured to rotate the at least one conveyor cylinder to move the conveyor belt in at least one direction;
- and
- a connector, the connector adapted to engage with a connector receptacle of a second conveyor;
- a rotating head removably docked with the first conveyor, the rotating head configured to rotate the first conveyor, as a whole, in at least one direction;
- and
- a drive module coupled to the rotating head, the drive module configured to move the first robotic device, as a whole, in at least one direction.
A method for transporting items, comprising:
- moving a first mobile robotic device to a first location comprising a conveyor holder, the first mobile robotic device comprising an independent, self-powered device;
- receiving, by the first mobile robotic device, a first conveyor from the conveyor holder;
- docking the first mobile robotic device with the first conveyor;
- and
- moving the first conveyor to a second location, wherein the second location comprises at least one of a first inventory holder operable to store one or more inventory items, a first inventory station configured for operations related to one or more inventory items, or a first vehicle configured to transport of one or more inventory items.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.