Height-Adjustable Storage Container for Fill-Level Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in managing storage containers of varying fill levels, leading to suboptimal use of storage space and potential collisions or handling issues.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a tool to adjust the height of height-adjustable storage containers based on filling levels, using a connection structure that allows the relative positioning of upper and lower frames to change the container's height, and a control system to determine optimal storage locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If storage containers are stacked one on top of another to form stacks in storage columns, then storage space utilization is improved, but containers with varying fill levels cannot be optimally stored and may cause handling issues or collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is designed with adjustable height capability, allowing the container's vertical dimension to dynamically adapt to the fill level of stored items. This enables optimal space utilization in stacked configurations while maintaining safe handling clearances, resolving the contradiction between maximizing storage volume and ensuring reliable handling operations.
2Productivity
If fixed-height storage containers are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but storage efficiency is reduced when dealing with varying fill levels
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is segmented into adjustable height sections, allowing independent adjustment of the container's vertical dimension. This segmentation enables the container to adapt to varying fill levels without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure, thus improving storage efficiency while controlling structural complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If storage containers are adjusted to different heights, then space utilization is optimized, but the risk of collisions or handling issues during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates height detection and control mechanisms that provide feedback during container movement and stacking operations. This feedback system monitors container heights and adjusts positioning to prevent collisions, enabling optimized space utilization through variable heights while maintaining safety during handling operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a height-adjustable storage container (6), comprising a lower container frame (10) comprising a base (11) and four lower walls (12) extending from the base (11) and an upper container frame (20) comprising four upper walls (22). Each of the upper walls (22) at least partially overlaps a respective one of the four lower walls (11). The storage container (6) comprises a connection structure (30) for connecting the lower container frame (10) and the upper container frame (20) together, and which allows the relative positioning of the lower container frame (10) and the upper container frame (20) to be adjusted to change the height of the height-adjustable storage container (6). The present invention also relates to an automated storage and retrieval system (1) for storing and retrieving product system (1), comprising a tool (93) configured to adjust the height of a height-adjustable storage container (6) according to a filling level (FL) of the height-adjustable storage container (6).