Adjustable Drawer Access Opening for Variable-Size Warehouse Articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic warehouse retrieval/storage systems face challenges in adapting to different article sizes due to the need for standardized drawer dimensions and flaps, leading to high costs and complexity in customization and potential errors in article retrieval or placement.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval/storage apparatus with a support frame and movable walls that adjust to define a variable opening based on the article's size and position, allowing precise access and reducing the need for individual drawer customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized drawer dimensions and flaps are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different article sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flap system adjustable and reconfigurable. Instead of fixed standardized flaps, the system allows flaps to be moved, added, or removed based on the specific article dimensions, enabling the same drawer structure to adapt to different storage needs while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the flap system dynamically. The flaps can be adjusted in position, number, and configuration to match different article sizes. This parameter adjustment allows a single standardized drawer design to serve multiple article types without requiring custom manufacturing for each article size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed retrieval/storage systems are created for each article type, then adaptability to different article sizes is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a single standardized drawer design with a universal flap system that can accommodate multiple article types. The same basic drawer structure and flap mechanism serve different storage needs through reconfiguration, eliminating the need for custom-designed retrieval systems for each article type.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the flap system allows one universal design to replace multiple custom designs. The flaps can be repositioned and reconfigured to match different article dimensions, providing custom adaptation without requiring custom hardware or complex specialized structures.
3Ease of operation
If drawers are always open for access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential errors in article retrieval or placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective access rather than complete openness. The flap system allows the operator to open only the specific portion of the drawer containing the target article, keeping other sections closed. This localized access maintains ease of operation for the specific task while preventing errors by limiting exposure to unrelated articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps serve as an intermediary between the open drawer and the operator. Instead of direct access to the entire drawer contents, the flaps provide a controlled interface that allows selective viewing and access to specific articles, reducing the likelihood of selecting or placing the wrong item while maintaining operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrieval/storage apparatus (2) for warehouses (1), including: a support frame (8) having a retrieval/storage surface (9) for at least one article which must be retrieved from a respective warehouse (1) or stored in the warehouse (1); the frame (8) defining a housing space (10) of a drawer (4) for containing one or more articles; and an access device (11) operatively active on the retrieval/storage surface (9) so as to open/close at least one opening (12) through which it is possible to access the housing space (10), inside the drawer (4); the access device (11) includes a first and a second wall (13, 14) both mobile along the retrieval/storage surface (9), and at least a third wall (15) mobile along the retrieval/storage level (9) in a direction transversal to the direction of movement of the first and second walls (13, 14).