A levelling assembly for a storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in installing on irregular or sloping floor surfaces, as they require a level foundation to operate efficiently, and existing solutions for leveling, such as customized shims or leveling feet, are complex, time-consuming, or inadequate for large vertical gaps.
Innovation Solution
A levelling assembly comprising a threaded elongate member, a threaded nut, and a floor rail with specific apertures and channels, allowing for fine adjustments and easy implementation during system installation, to compensate for floor irregularities and maintain a level surface for the storage and retrieval system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized shims or leveling feet are used to compensate for floor irregularities, then the storage system can be installed on uneven surfaces, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard threaded elongate members (screws/bolts) and nuts as disposable, inexpensive leveling elements rather than expensive customized shims or complex adjustable feet. These simple components can be quickly installed and discarded if needed, eliminating the need for expensive precision leveling devices while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the floor rail system by introducing threaded elongate members that can be adjusted in length or position within the channel. This allows continuous adjustment of the rail height and levelness, transforming a fixed rigid structure into an adjustable one that can accommodate various floor irregularities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If customized shims or leveling feet are used to compensate for floor irregularities, then the storage system can be installed on uneven surfaces, but the installation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded elongate members and nuts are prepared in advance as standard components, and the floor rails are designed with pre-formed channels for receiving them. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site customization or complex assembly procedures during installation, allowing workers to simply insert and adjust the pre-made leveling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of simple, inexpensive standard threaded members and nuts enables rapid installation without the need for specialized tools or procedures. These basic components can be quickly installed and adjusted by ordinary workers, dramatically reducing installation time compared to complex adjustable leveling feet or custom-machined shims.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard threaded members with rotationally free nuts are used, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but the floor rail cannot be adjusted vertically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific rotational constraint only at the nut-floor rail interface, while leaving the threaded elongate member free to rotate elsewhere. The channel in the floor rail provides localized rotational restraint for the nut, enabling vertical adjustment through the threaded mechanism without requiring rotational constraints throughout the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the nut by constraining its rotation when received in the channel, while maintaining the threaded engagement capability. This parameter change transforms a rotationally free nut into a rotationally constrained component that can convert rotational motion of the threaded member into vertical linear motion of the floor rail.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The proposed levelling assembly provides a simple, cost-efficient, and quick solution to address floor irregularities, allowing for continuous level adjustment and compatibility with existing system designs, thereby facilitating efficient installation and operation of automated storage and retrieval systems.
Implementation Method 1
A levelling assembly for a framework structure of a storage grid of a storage and retrieval system for storing goods holders comprises a threaded elongate member (12), a threaded nut (14) for engaging with the threaded elongate member (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A levelling assembly is for a framework structure of a storage grid of a storage and retrieval system for storing goods holders. The framework structure is positioned on a floor surface. The levelling assembly includes a threaded elongate member, a threaded nut for engaging with the threaded elongate member, and a floor rail for supporting upright members of the storage and retrieval system. The floor rail is provided with a first aperture for mounting the threaded elongate member in a location on the floor rail where the member can extend through and be coupled to the floor rail. The floor rail is provided with a channel for receiving the threaded nut and extending from the aperture in a longitudinal direction of the floor rail. In a first state of the levelling assembly, the threaded elongate member is in contact with the floor surface and engages with the threaded nut that is received in the channel and rotationally immobilized relative the channel so that, in response to a rotational force applied on the threaded elongate member, the floor rail is movable in a vertical direction.