Adjustable Storage Aids With Locking Engagement for Dense Warehousing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems face inefficiencies in space utilization, as they require significant travel paths for storage vehicles, have fixed storage locations regardless of object volume, and result in dead space and high manufacturing costs due to statically dimensioned containers, with fire suppression being hindered by tightly packed containers.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with adjustable storage aids and a load-handling device that allows for variable storage positions based on object size, using engagement elements that switch between locked and released states for efficient space utilization and simplified handling, and includes stackable storage aids for space-saving storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-volume storage locations are used in automated storage systems, then storage structure simplicity is maintained, but space utilization deteriorates due to dead space when storing objects of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the storage location volume adjustable rather than fixed. The storage location can dynamically change its volume to match the size of the stored object, eliminating dead space while maintaining structural simplicity. This is achieved through a可扩展 storage location design that can expand or contract its volume based on the object being stored.
2Strength
If containers are statically dimensioned to withstand heavy loads in grid storage systems, then structural strength is ensured, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the storage system into modular storage locations that can be independently configured. Each storage location is a standardized module that can be stacked and combined, allowing the system to achieve required load-bearing capacities through modular assembly rather than requiring all containers to be statically over-engineered. This reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining structural strength.
3Volume of moving object
If tightly packed containers are stacked in grid storage systems, then space utilization is improved, but fire suppression effectiveness deteriorates due to limited access for fire extinguishing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating adjustable spacing between storage locations rather than tight packing. The distance between vertically stacked storage locations can be dynamically adjusted to provide adequate space for fire suppression devices to access and extinguish fires, while still maintaining high space utilization through optimized but not maximal packing density.
4Ease of operation
If storage vehicles with travel paths are used in automated storage systems, then object storage and retrieval is enabled, but space utilization deteriorates due to the space required for vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a transfer stage as a mediator between the storage locations and the external environment. Objects are transferred to and from individual storage locations through this intermediate stage, eliminating the need for large vehicles to travel through the entire storage volume. This allows storage vehicles to operate in a compact manner, significantly improving space utilization while maintaining full storage and retrieval functionality.
Data Source
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Figure 3d~4d
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage system (1) comprising at least one shelf (2) with shelf supports (3), at least one storage operating vehicle, and at least two storage aids (4). The storage system (1) comprises an operating plane and a storage volume (5) arranged below the operating plane, wherein the storage operating vehicle is movably arranged on the operating plane and is designed to introduce the storage aids (4) into the storage volume (5) and remove the storage aids from same. Each storage aid (4) has engagement means (6), and the shelf supports (3) have receiving means (7) arranged in the storage volume (5). The engagement means (6) can be moved between a blocking state, in which the engagement means (6) are substantially fixed in at least some of the receiving means (7) and hold the respective storage aids (4) in a storage position in the storage volume (5), and a release state, in which the engagement means (6) are released from the receiving means (7). The storage operating vehicle is designed to move the engagement means (6) between the blocking state and the release state starting from the operating plane.