Rack storage system and rack frame part for a rack storage system

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 'silo-style' rack storage systems face challenges with high production costs, weight, and the need for rigid construction due to welded designs, as well as difficulties in accommodating on-site dimensional deviations, which require additional time-consuming and costly adjustments.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable spacer system allows for continuous adjustment of the horizontal and vertical distances between support profiles and storage racks, enabling compensation for structural deviations without additional processing or measures, using standardized spacers and support profiles that can be assembled with simple tools and less skilled labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a welded construction is used for the supporting structure, then the structural integrity and rigidity are improved, but the manufacturing cost and dead weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting structure is divided into separate modular components: spacers, support profiles, and wall elements. These segments are connected through bolted joints rather than welded construction, allowing each component to be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Bolts and connection elements serve as intermediaries between the spacer, support profile, and wall elements. These intermediary fastening mechanisms enable the transmission of loads and forces between components without requiring direct welding, thus achieving structural integrity through mechanical connection rather than fusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a welded construction is used for the supporting structure, then the structural rigidity is improved, but the dead weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoiddead weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into lightweight modular components connected by bolts, eliminating the need for heavy welded joints. This segmentation allows for optimized material usage in each component while maintaining overall structural rigidity through the distributed connection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection method is changed from welding (which requires thick materials and heavy joints) to bolted connections (which allow for thinner, lighter components). This parameter change in the joining technique enables weight reduction while preserving structural rigidity through proper connection design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed-dimensional spacers are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to compensate for structural deviations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtolerance compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer system incorporates adjustable elements that allow the horizontal distance between the support profile and storage rack to be modified during assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables workers to compensate for dimensional deviations in the foundation slab or storage racks while maintaining standardized manufacturing of the spacer components themselves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal spacing parameter of the support structure is made variable through adjustable spacers. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different site conditions and dimensional deviations without requiring custom-manufactured spacers, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while gaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If additional construction measures are taken to accommodate structural deviations, then the sealing and compliance are improved, but the assembly time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing complianceVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable spacer system provides real-time adaptability during assembly, allowing workers to compensate for structural deviations directly at the installation site. This eliminates the need for time-consuming additional construction measures such as custom fabrication, welding modifications, or complex adjustment procedures after the fact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacers are pre-manufactured with standardized dimensions and adjustment mechanisms, allowing for tolerance compensation to be built into the assembly process itself rather than requiring corrective actions after assembly begins. This preliminary preparation of adjustable components prevents time loss during on-site installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3976503B1Rack storage system and rack frame part for a rack storage system
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 TGW MECHANICS GMBH
  • EP3976503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3976503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3976503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a rack storage system, comprising: - storage racks, which form storage spaces for loads, which storage spaces are arranged mutually adjacent in storage planes (4) lying one above the other, the storage racks comprising either exclusively outer storage racks (2a) or outer storage racks (2a) and inner storage racks (2b) and being fixedly installed on a bottom plate (9); - one or more rack aisles in an x-direction between the storage racks; - automated storage and retrieval machines (7) for transporting loads; and - building walls (30, 32), which are mounted on the outer storage racks by means of a support structure and form wall elements (31). The support structure comprises profiled support elements (36) fastened to the outer storage rack by means of spacers (35, 35a, 35b), and the wall elements are mounted on the profiled support elements. Each profiled support element is fastened, in mounting regions (37) separated from one another, to the outer storage rack (2a) by means of one spacer per mounting region, and additionally one setting device (50, 50a, 50b, 51) per spacer is provided, by means of which setting device a horizontal distance (40) between a profiled support element (36) and the outer storage rack (2a) can be set, and additionally one fixing means (53) per spacer is provided, by which fixing means the set horizontal distance can be fixed.