Artificial Stone Shelf Frame for Precise Automated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shelf storage units for automation systems in machining centers face challenges in achieving high precision and cost-effectiveness due to manufacturing tolerances and thermal distortions, requiring complex assembly and measurement processes.
Innovation Solution
A shelf storage unit with a one-piece cast base frame made of artificial stone, where interfaces for storage devices are integrally received and formed during the casting process, minimizing individual part tolerances and thermal distortion, and using insert parts for precise alignment and anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If shelf storage units are constructed from many individual parts with metal or concrete constructions, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to tolerance accumulation requiring complex alignment and measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual parts (shelf side parts, stand parts, connecting elements) into a single one-piece cast artificial stone base frame. This integration eliminates the tolerance accumulation that occurs when assembling multiple metal or concrete parts, thereby achieving high manufacturing precision for storage space alignment while maintaining the structural functions of the separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses artificial stone as a composite material for the base frame. This material combines the benefits of dimensional stability and low thermal expansion (unlike metal) with the ability to be cast into complex integrated geometries (unlike traditional concrete). The composite nature allows achieving both assembly flexibility and high manufacturing precision simultaneously.
2Strength
If metal casting processes are used for the base frame, then structural strength is improved, but thermal distortion increases affecting positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to artificial stone, which has fundamentally different thermal properties. Artificial stone exhibits negligible thermal expansion and minimal thermal distortion compared to metal casting processes, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while still providing the required structural strength through the casting process and material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
By using artificial stone as a composite material instead of metal, the patent achieves a base frame that is insensitive to thermal effects. The composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for supporting shelf loads and the thermal stability required for maintaining precise geometric relationships under varying temperature conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual parts are assembled with tight tolerances, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple precision-critical components into a single monolithic cast base frame. Instead of assembling multiple parts with tight tolerances (which would require complex alignment procedures and specialized tooling), the integrated casting produces all reference surfaces and mounting interfaces in their final precise positions directly during the casting process, dramatically simplifying assembly while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment and measurement processes are performed during setup, then positioning precision is improved, but setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the alignment function preliminarily during the casting process itself. All reference surfaces, mounting interfaces, and geometric relationships are established in their final precise positions while casting the base frame. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-casting alignment and measurement procedures, thereby achieving high positioning precision while minimizing setup time.
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
This design enables precise and cost-effective manufacturing with reduced assembly effort, minimizing setup time and ensuring accurate positioning of workpieces and tools, while also providing a durable and thermally stable solution.
Implementation Method 1
the hardening process of which is based on chemical bonding processes and has at most low thermal components
Implementation Method 2
Depending on the chemical composition of the initially shapeless artificial stone material, a slight shrinkage of the artificial stone material may occur during the curing process, which causes the artificial stone material to shrink onto the insert parts, so to speak, which also ensures that the insert parts are reliably anchored in the shelf side parts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shelf storage unit for use in an automated system (3) for storing workpieces (8) and/or workpiece pallets (7) and/or tools, having a base frame (5) which has a shelf stand (14) and two spaced apart from one another arranged shelf side parts (10), wherein mutually facing surfaces (33) of the shelf side parts (10) are formed with interfaces (50) for attaching storage devices (6). According to the invention, the base frame (5) is made as a one-piece cast body made of artificial stone and the interfaces (50) are incorporated as separately formed inserts in the mutually facing surfaces (33) of the shelf side parts (10).