3D Goods Storage with Date-Based Restowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional goods storage systems face challenges in minimizing floor space while maximizing storage capacity, requiring high automation, efficient pallet handling, and integration with computerized systems, while also needing to reduce the reliance on forklift trucks and accommodate various pallet sizes.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a multi-level beam structure with movable lifts and satellites, featuring automated control and sensor systems for efficient goods transfer, including date-based restowing strategies to optimize storage and retrieval processes, allowing for high input and output speeds and flexible expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If three-dimensional goods storage systems are used to maximize storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but floor space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a three-dimensional storage structure with multiple levels stacked vertically, transforming the storage system from a two-dimensional floor-based arrangement to a three-dimensional space-utilizing structure. This allows goods to be stored across multiple vertical levels while maintaining a compact floor footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between maximizing storage capacity and minimizing floor space occupation
2Extent of automation
If automated transport elements are added to improve automation level, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces satellite transport elements as intermediary devices that operate on the outer surfaces of the storage arrangement. These satellites serve as mediators between the static storage structure and the dynamic transport carriages, enabling automated goods transfer without requiring complex integration of transport mechanisms into the core storage structure, thus managing system complexity while achieving high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system is divided into distinct functional segments: transport carriages that move along predefined paths, satellites that transfer goods between carriages and storage locations, and control systems that coordinate their operations. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high automation capability
3Area of stationary object
If passage extents are reduced to minimize space, then space efficiency is improved, but dispatch time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple vertical levels of storage passages, transforming the dispatch problem from a single-level horizontal traversal to a multi-level three-dimensional network. This allows goods to be accessed from multiple levels simultaneously, reducing the horizontal distance carriages must travel while maintaining compact passage extents, thus preserving space efficiency while reducing dispatch time
4Ease of operation
If multiple second passages or channels are added to improve accessibility, then goods accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple independent second passages or channels, each serving specific storage locations. This segmentation allows parallel access to different goods sections through multiple satellites and carriages operating simultaneously on different passages, improving overall accessibility while managing complexity through modular, standardized passage designs that can be replicated
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional goods storage arrangement includes a system of beams with a number of levels and, arranged in these and extending in two main directions, channels for goods. A lift is included together with transport elements and is controlled by control elements and sensors for automated transfer of goods. Time or date information concerning the arrival and expected dispatch of the goods influences the automated transfer of goods in order to shorten the time at dispatch.