In the complex world of internal logistics, or intralogistics, a persistent challenge is the efficient movement of goods both across a facility and between its different levels or floors. Traditionally, this would require separate horizontal conveyors and vertical lifters, creating bottlenecks and inefficiencies at transfer points. However, innovative equipment is now available that solves this problem by seamlessly integrating horizontal and vertical transport into a single, fluid system.
Leading this charge is Telelift Logistic GmbH, a company whose innovative products are represented in the UK by Quirepace. Telelift’s monorail track systems provide unique solutions that are not directly available from any other type of conveyor system. These systems, known as Unicar and Multicar, are designed as networked monorail tracks that feature autonomous trolleys, or cars, capable of moving anywhere on the network to their designated destination.
The core innovation: Seamless multi-directional travel
The defining feature of the Unicar and Multicar systems is their ability to transport payloads both horizontally and vertically without needing to transfer the load to a separate lifting mechanism. This capability delivers an exceptionally flexible and innovative intralogistics solution. The track itself can be installed horizontally, vertically, or at any gradient, allowing it to navigate complex building layouts with ease.
This is achieved through a clever dual-drive system. On horizontal sections, the trolleys are friction-driven, a method that makes them extremely safe during operation. When the track begins a climb, the trolleys automatically switch to a rack and pinion drive system to ascend or descend. Throughout this entire journey, a crucial feature ensures the payload is kept perfectly horizontal, regardless of whether the trolley is moving horizontally or vertically. This stability is achieved through either a gravity-based pendulum system or a dynamic powered solution.
Furthermore, these systems maximise the use of a building’s entire space. The track can be routed at high levels, running through service areas and across open working spaces, well away from busy production floors and other logistics systems. It only descends to load or unload areas in the immediate vicinity of the process it serves, minimising interference with other operations.
Two systems for diverse applications
Telelift offers two distinct systems to cater to different market needs, both running on the same control software.
- Unicar: This is the long-established system, having been developed over the last 30+ years. The Unicar system is primarily designed for lighter applications, with a payload capacity of up to 15kg. Its traditional markets are in sectors like Healthcare and Libraries.
- Multicar: As a more recent addition, the Multicar system is a heavier-duty configuration of the same core technology. It boasts a significantly higher payload capacity of up to 45kg, making it highly suitable for industrial markets and processes. Applications for Multicar are extensive, including parts delivery to production lines, collecting output from injection moulders and small-pressings, and even functioning as part of the production line itself. In the automotive industry, for example, Multicar is used to deliver bumper assemblies and door panels directly to the production line.
Advanced control, integration, and customisation
Both Unicar and Multicar are designed for sophisticated, automated environments. The tracks carry both power and data via a busbar system, enabling constant communication and control. Transactions can be initiated through user-friendly HMI touchscreen terminals or fully integrated with existing SCADA and WMS systems for completely automated control. Interfacing with other automated equipment, such as loading and unloading stations, is easily accomplished through local PLC interfaces. The trolleys themselves can be equipped with power and digital I/O to support sophisticated, custom load handling systems.
The standard touchscreen terminal provides operators with complete information about station activity, showing trolleys that are approaching, currently in the station, and those that are departing. The system also has facilities to record the contents of the payload and can offer secure transport when required.
Recognising that no two facilities are the same, the systems are designed to be completely modular and scalable. An installation can be extended at any time by simply adding new switches and track sections. Furthermore, the system’s performance and throughput can be scaled up by adding more cars and trolleys to the network, ensuring that any anticipated growth can be accommodated. For specialised needs, Telelift provides highly customised load handling devices, offering both a wide range of standard components, like powered roll-on roll-off conveyors, and the ability to construct bespoke solutions for specific applications.
These well-established and flexible systems from Telelift are available in the UK through Quirepace Ltd. To find out more about these innovative intralogistics solutions, you can contact Quirepace today.
Quirepace Ltd:
T 023 9260 3700
sales@quirepace.co.uk
www.quirepace.co.uk