Adaptable Grid Framework for Mixed-Size Container Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems with grid framework structures are inflexible, limiting the ability to store both large and small items efficiently, as they often require dedicated areas for different container sizes, leading to reduced packing density and increased complexity, with 1-10% of goods needing alternative handling methods, resulting in low productivity and inefficient space use.

Innovation Solution

A grid framework structure with adaptable grid cells where one dimension of larger cells matches one dimension of smaller cells, allowing robotic load handling devices with different footprints to move across both, enabling the storage and retrieval of both large and small containers without compromising storage capacity, by using a track system with multiple sets of parallel tracks arranged in a grid pattern to define various grid cell openings, accommodating different sized containers and allowing nested storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the grid framework structure uses uniform grid cells for all storage locations, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot efficiently store both large and small items, leading to reduced packing density and wasted space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to store different container sizesVSAvoidgrid cell configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grid framework is segmented into different types of grid cells (first type and second type) with different dimensions. The first type of grid cell has dimensions L1×W1 and the second type has dimensions L2×W2, where L2 is a multiple of L1. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate different container sizes efficiently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the grid framework are assigned different grid cell types based on local storage needs. The second type of grid cell (larger) is used in specific locations to accommodate large items, while the first type (smaller) is used elsewhere for small items. This local differentiation optimizes space utilization without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If dedicated areas are created for different container sizes, then storage efficiency for specific item types improves, but the overall packing density decreases and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidtotal storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The track system and robotic load handling devices are designed to be universal, capable of operating on both first type and second type grid cells. The robotic device can move containers between different grid cell types and handle both large and small containers with the same mechanism, eliminating the need for separate handling systems and maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of robotic load handling devices are introduced to handle different container sizes, then the ability to store and retrieve various items improves, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handling capabilityVSAvoidrobotic device variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single type of robotic load handling device is designed with universal capabilities to operate on both first type and second type grid cells. The device can pick up and transport containers of different sizes using the same mechanical mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robotic devices and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If the grid framework uses a single track system for all grid cells, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate robotic devices with different footprints for different container sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrack system structureVSAvoidrobotic device compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The track system is segmented into first tracks associated with first type grid cells and second tracks associated with second type grid cells. The first robotic load handling device operates on first tracks for small containers, while the second robotic device operates on second tracks for large containers. This segmentation allows different robotic devices with different footprints to coexist on a unified grid framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240253902A1A grid framework structure

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A grid framework structure includes a track system for a first type of robotic load handling device having a different sized footprint relative to a second type of robotic load handling device. A first portion includes first, second and third sets of parallel tracks to define a first set of grid cells with a first type grid cell opening. A second portion includes cells of the first set of grid cells and a second set of grid cells having a second type grid cell opening. Upright columns form vertical storage locations for storage containers A dimension of the second type grid cell opening is a multiple of the dimension of the first type grid cell opening. One or more of the second set of grid cells is neighboured by at least two grid cells of the first type of grid cells.