Automated Storage Aids With Locking Engagements for Variable Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems face inefficiencies in space utilization, as they often require fixed volume storage locations and use of containers that are not optimized for small objects, leading to wasted space and increased manufacturing costs, and pose fire safety risks due to stacked containers.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with vertically extending shelves, storage operating vehicles, and storage aids equipped with engagement means that can be locked or released to adapt to the space requirements of objects, allowing flexible positioning and reducing the need for the vehicle to enter the storage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If fixed volume storage locations are used, then storage structure is simple, but space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The storage location volume is made dynamically adjustable through the engagement means that can be moved between locking and release states. The distance between storage aids is no longer fixed but can be adapted to the space requirements of stored objects, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of storage location volume from fixed to variable. By enabling the engagement means to adjust the distance between storage aids, the storage system can optimize volume utilization while maintaining simple shelf support structures.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked on top of each other, then storage density increases, but fire safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large containers that must be stacked, the patent segments storage into multiple storage aids that can be individually positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows fire extinguishing agents to reach between storage aids, improving fire safety while maintaining high storage density through optimized spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means act as intermediaries that enable flexible positioning of storage aids. By controlling the distance between storage aids, the system creates pathways for fire extinguishing agents while maintaining efficient space utilization, mediating between storage density and fire safety requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If storage operating vehicle enters storage volume to position storage aids, then positioning precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage aids are equipped with self-contained engagement means that can lock into receiving means on shelf supports. This self-service mechanism allows storage aids to be positioned and secured without requiring the storage operating vehicle to enter the storage volume, reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning and locking function is extracted from the storage operating vehicle and integrated into the storage aids themselves. The engagement means on storage aids perform the positioning and securing tasks, eliminating the need for the vehicle to enter the storage volume for these operations.
4Strength
If containers are statically dimensioned to withstand high loads, then structural strength is ensured, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is segmented from the storage aids and transferred to the shelf supports. Storage aids can be made from lighter, less expensive materials since they only need to hold objects, while the shelf supports are designed to bear the structural loads, reducing manufacturing costs while ensuring structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf supports serve multiple functions: providing structural strength to withstand loads, providing receiving means for engagement means, and serving as the framework for the entire storage system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separately engineered load-bearing containers.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system including at least one shelf having shelf supports, at least one storage operating vehicle, at least two storage aids, and an operating level and a storage volume arranged below the operating level. The storage operating vehicle is arranged such that it can move in the operating level and is configured to introduce the storage aids into the storage volume and to retrieve them. Each of the storage aids has engagement means, and the shelf supports have receiving means. The engagement means may be moved between a locking state, in which the engagement means are substantially fixed in at least some of the receiving means and hold the respective storage aid in a storage position and a release state, in which the engagement means are released from the receiving means. The storage operating vehicle is configured to move the engagement means between the locking and release states.