Armored Storage Module with Selective Roller Shutter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated storage and retrieval systems for products under security restrictions, such as pharmaceutical narcotics, face challenges in optimizing and speeding up operations while maintaining security and managing large quantities without compromising safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A system with armored storage modules and computer-controlled picking means that selectively open and close secure access points, utilizing a roller shutter with locking and sensor systems to ensure secure retrieval and storage of products, and authenticating users based on access levels to manage products with varying security restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the movable closure is opened frequently to retrieve products from armored storage locations, then the accessibility and speed of retrieval is improved, but the security of the stored products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage facility is divided into armored and non-armored storage locations. The armored module is segmented into multiple storage locations that can be accessed individually through a single movable closure, allowing selective access without compromising overall security while maintaining retrieval speed.
Solution Approach 2:
Products subjected to security restrictions are pre-identified and stored in specific armored locations before retrieval operations. The system pre-processes retrieval orders to determine which armored locations need to be accessed, minimizing the number of times the movable closure needs to be opened while ensuring all required products are retrieved efficiently.
2Reliability
If multiple armored storage locations are provided for different security-restricted products, then the security and organization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single movable closure serves multiple armored storage locations within the armored module. This universal closure mechanism can secure and access different security-restricted products in various armored locations, reducing the need for multiple separate secure access mechanisms and thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple armored storage locations are combined into a single armored module with a common movable closure. This merging approach consolidates security mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining individual security for each storage location through the shared armored structure and closure system.
3Reliability
If the armored module uses a roller shutter with locking means, then the security against break-in is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The roller shutter with locking means is integrated into the automated picking system. The picking means automatically interact with the roller shutter mechanism to open and close the closure when products need to be retrieved or stored, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining high security through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller shutter acts as an intermediary between the security requirement and the automated picking operation. It provides a secure barrier that can be automatically controlled by the system, mediating between the need for strong security (locking means) and the need for efficient automated operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatic storage and withdrawal of products, including a storage facility with a plurality of storage locations arranged in rows and columns. A picking arrangement is selectively movable between the plurality of storage locations and a delivery location to pick one or more products contained in selected storage locations and deliver the product(s) to the delivery location according to a selected order. A computer is provided to control movement of the movable picking arrangement according to an order sequence. A number of adjacent storage locations are enclosed in an armored module having armored back, side, and top wall and a front access opening closed by a movable closure which is normally closed and which is selectively opened when the picking arrangement is to pick one or more products contained in any one of the adjacent storage locations within the armored module.