Storage and retrieval system

Abstract

A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns. Each storage unit includes wheels which engage a track for selective movement along the track. Vertical and horizontal actuators are used to move the storage units in sequence. Preferably, the actuators are power-driven, and control circuitry is used to coordinate the movement of the actuators.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to storage and retrieval systems. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards an improved low cost, high density modular storage and retrieval system employing a plurality of movable storage units. [0002] In the kitchen, pots, pans, flour, condiments, boxes and cans of food, mixers and other paraphernalia are usually stored in drawers and cupboards which are scattered throughout the kitchen. Pots and pans are ordinarily kept in cupboards which are dark, difficult to access and maintain. The average housewife is subjected to considerable exercise and rummaging through cupboards in an attempt to locate a pot or pan of the desired shape and size. Many cupboards are either below sinks or stoves, or elevated. This requires the housewife to bend down to find the desired container, pot or food article, or sometimes stand on a chair to retrieve these items. The storage of such kitchen equipment and f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system maximizes storage capacity, reduces complexity and maintenance, and provides easy access to items regardless of height or mobility, utilizing wasted space and minimizing the need for costly infrastructure.

Problems solved by technology

Pots and pans are ordinarily kept in cupboards which are dark, difficult to access and maintain.

The storage of such kitchen equipment and food takes up a large number of cubic feet of space, some of which is wasted as the items are not readily retrievable in corners and the like.

A similar problem is encountered with closets, which are used to store shoes, pants, blouses, dresses, socks and other non-clothing items.

Oftentimes, shoes are stored on the floor, clothes are hung on elongated rods in the closet (which often do not provide sufficient storage space) and other items are stacked on shelves—often at a considerable height.

Such an arrangement presents many of the same disadvantages of kitchen storage.

Retrieving items in such settings is particularly difficult for those individuals who are taller than usual, shorter than usual, elderly or handicapped.

Much of the space in corners and near ceilings are wasted space in a household.

However, such devices present various drawbacks.

For example, the type of movement from one column to another characteristic of the chain or cable type mechanism is such that a considerable amount of clearance is required for the containers.

Moreover, the sprockets and cables operate under considerable loads and the bearings necessary to support these loads must be mounted upon sufficient structures to adequately carry the stresses to the floor.

One of the main drawbacks encountered in automatic and semi-automatic storage systems relates to the complexity of the mechanisms used.

Such complexity adds to the cost of installing the system, and adversely affects the reliability of such systems.

Incorporating chain and pulley systems, unique lifting mechanisms, etc., renders the systems complicated and expensive to build, prone to breakage, and increases maintenance time and costs.

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