Adjustable Drawer Access Walls for Warehouse Retrieval
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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 customizing each drawer, and a risk of incorrect article retrieval or placement without flaps.
Innovation Solution
A retrieval/storage apparatus with a motorized system of sliding walls that can adjust to open the drawer access area according to the article's size and position, using a programmable logic control unit to manage the movement and configuration of walls to ensure precise access and adaptability to various article sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standardized drawer dimensions and flaps are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, 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, removed, or repositioned according to the specific dimensions and requirements of different articles, enabling the same drawer structure to adapt to various storage needs while maintaining cost efficiency through standardized base components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the flap system into multiple independent, interchangeable components. Rather than requiring completely custom-designed drawers for different article sizes, the standardized drawer body is combined with selectable flap configurations, allowing flexible adaptation to different article dimensions through modular assembly.
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 construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single standardized drawer structure that can serve multiple functions for different article types. Through the use of interchangeable and reconfigurable flap systems, one universal drawer design replaces the need for multiple custom-designed drawer variants, thereby reducing construction complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability of the flap system allows the standardized drawer to adapt its configuration for different article types without requiring custom construction, thereby achieving adaptability with minimal increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If drawers are always open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of correct article retrieval deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by implementing selective flap opening rather than opening all drawer compartments simultaneously. The system opens only the specific flap(s) corresponding to the target article location, providing localized access that maintains reliability by preventing exposure of other articles while still ensuring easy access to the desired item.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms (such as sensors or control logic) that determine which flap(s) need to be opened based on the requested article information. This feedback-controlled selective opening ensures that only the necessary access points are opened, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability in article retrieval.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retrieval/storage apparatus (2) for warehouses (1), comprising: 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 said warehouse (1); said frame (8) defining a housing space (10) of a drawer (4) for containing one or more said articles; and access means (11) operatively active on said retrieval/storage surface (9) so as to open/close at least one opening (12) through which it is possible to access said housing space (10), inside the drawer (4); the access means (11) comprise a first and a second wall (13, 14) both mobile along the retrieval/storage surface (9) in reciprocal approaching/distancing, 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).