Access Point Rail Layout for Multi-Path Container Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face congestion issues around pick-up and drop-off ports, leading to inefficiencies and reduced storage capacity, as container handling vehicles often move without a payload and require additional infrastructure that can be costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a delivery rail system and remotely operated delivery vehicles that provide multiple paths to and from an access point, allowing for efficient storage container handling and reduced congestion by minimizing the delivery rail system's footprint within the storage grid, enabling continuous storage container flow and easy access for operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single path is provided to and from the access point for delivery vehicles, then the delivery rail system can be simpler and more direct, but congestion occurs around delivery columns reducing storage capacity and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery rail system is segmented into multiple independent paths (first path and second path) that connect the access point to different delivery columns. This segmentation allows delivery vehicles to be distributed across multiple routes, preventing congestion at any single delivery column while maintaining system simplicity through modular path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional direct path to a multi-dimensional network of paths. By providing both a first path and a second path with different routing configurations, the system creates spatial redundancy that eliminates congestion without significantly increasing overall complexity, as the additional path utilizes existing rail infrastructure in different spatial arrangements.
2Quantity of substance
If delivery rail system footprint is minimized within the storage grid, then storage capacity increases, but providing multiple paths to access point becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery rail system is designed with universal path configurations that can serve multiple delivery columns simultaneously. The first and second paths are configured to share common infrastructure elements while providing distinct routing options, allowing the system to accommodate multiple delivery destinations without proportionally increasing the rail footprint within the storage grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic path selection where delivery vehicles can be routed through different paths based on real-time operational needs and congestion levels. This dynamic adaptability allows the minimized rail footprint to flexibly serve multiple delivery columns efficiently, maximizing storage capacity while maintaining versatile access options.
3Ease of operation
If container handling vehicles move without payload frequently, then delivery operations can be more flexible, but operational efficiency decreases due to empty movements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary routing decisions that optimize vehicle paths to minimize empty movements. By pre-configuring multiple delivery paths and using the control system to anticipate delivery needs, the system can route vehicles more efficiently, reducing unnecessary empty trips while maintaining operational flexibility through multiple available routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors delivery vehicle positions and payload status in real-time, providing feedback that enables dynamic routing adjustments. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize path selection, directing vehicles with payloads along efficient routes and coordinating empty vehicle movements to minimize idle travel, thereby improving operational efficiency while preserving flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a storage grid for storage of storage containers and a delivery system for transport of said storage containers between a delivery port of the storage grid and an access point of the delivery system. The access point is adapted for handling of items held in the storage containers by a robotic operator or human operator. The delivery system includes a delivery rail system including at least a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a first direction (X), and at least a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of rails together defining a delivery grid of delivery grid cells, the access point, and a remotely operated delivery vehicle comprising a motorized vehicle body and a container carrier provided above the motorized vehicle body for carrying a storage container of the storage containers. The delivery vehicle is moveable on the delivery grid of the delivery rail system. The delivery grid provides one or more delivery grid cells for the remotely operated delivery vehicle at the access point as well as a plurality of delivery grid cells adjacent the one or more delivery grid cells of the access point, such that there is more than one path to and/or from the access point for the remotely operated delivery vehicle via the plurality of delivery grid cells. The remotely operated delivery vehicle is arranged to transport the storage container from the delivery port of the storage grid across the delivery grid to the access point and return the storage container to the delivery port for storage within the storage grid. The access point is provided in a container accessing station, said station being arranged for separating the robotic or human operator from the delivery rail system and the remotely operated delivery vehicle. The container accessing station comprises a cabinet comprising walls and a top cover supported thereon, wherein the items held in the storage container carried by a remotely operated delivery vehicle at the access point is reachable through an opening in the top cover.