Adjustable Lifting Bar for Storage Rack Pallet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems for pallets in storage racks face inefficiencies due to increased entry cross-sections required by lifting cylinders, which reduce usable space and complicate the storage and retrieval of pallets, and require additional supports that occupy valuable storage space.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval device with a receiving head equipped with adjustable lifting bars mounted on a longitudinal beam, utilizing deflecting gears distributed along the lifting bars to minimize overall height and enable direct load transfer to the rack system, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of pallets with reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting cylinders are used to lift pallets from consoles, then the pallets can be lifted and removed from rack compartments, but the entry cross-sections required for the trolleys increase and additional supports are needed that occupy valuable storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting cylinders and trolley mechanisms are extracted from the rack compartment interior and relocated to the conveyor system outside the compartment. The conveyor carries the load-bearing means with receiving head through the compartment, eliminating the need for internal lifting infrastructure and freeing up storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing means with receiving head acts as an intermediary between the conveyor system and the stored goods. It receives goods directly in the rack compartment, is lifted by the conveyor outside the compartment, and transported away, eliminating the need for internal lifting cylinders and supports.
2Ease of operation
If the receiving head is designed with sufficient height to accommodate lifting mechanisms, then lifting capability is achieved, but the overall height increases reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism is extracted from the receiving head design and placed in the conveyor system. The receiving head only needs to accommodate the load-bearing means, significantly reducing its height requirement while the conveyor provides the lifting function externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function is moved from the vertical dimension (within the receiving head height) to the horizontal dimension (conveyor traveling through and outside the compartment). This allows the receiving head to remain compact in height while lifting capability is maintained through the conveyor's external lifting action.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for space-saving storage and retrieval operations with a simplified design, enabling the handling of heavier goods and multiple items in a single pass, while maintaining a low overall height and reducing the need for additional supports, thus optimizing storage capacity and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting gears which are distributed over the length of the lifting bar and can be acted upon in the direction of the rack guides
Implementation Method 2
at least one shear-resistant traction means which engages on the receiving head and can be pushed out into one of the rack guides
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval device storing and retrieving stored goods in and from rack compartments with shelf surfaces storing the stored goods and load-transferring rack guides extending in storing and retrieving direction. A receiving head has a lifting device for the stored goods and a load-bearing apparatus displaceable along the rack compartments. A conveyer moves the receiving head along the rack guides and has at least one shear-resistant traction apparatus that engages the receiving head and can be pushed out into one of the rack guides. The lifting device of the receiving head can be moved under the stored goods and has at least one lifting bar extending in the direction of the rack guides and is adjustable in height by deflecting gears distributed over the length of lifting bar that are acted upon in the direction of the rack guides.