Fresh Food ASRS Rail Ventilation Slots for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems for fresh food and produce lack efficient temperature control and air circulation, which can lead to quality reduction and spoilage due to inadequate ventilation and temperature management.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a rail system with ventilation slots between adjacent tracks, allowing for improved air circulation and temperature regulation by positioning ventilated storage containers with strategically placed ventilation openings to face towards these slots, and utilizing a control system to manage storage positions based on container type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If storage containers are stacked in columns within a compact framework structure, then storage density and space utilization are improved, but air circulation and ventilation are insufficient leading to temperature control problems
Solution Approach 1:
The framework structure is segmented by introducing vertical ventilation slots between adjacent storage columns. These slots divide the continuous storage volume into smaller zones with improved air flow paths, allowing temperature control while maintaining high storage density. The slots create a segmented ventilation network that penetrates through the storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Ventilation slots are introduced in the vertical dimension between adjacent storage columns, creating a three-dimensional ventilation network. This adds a vertical air circulation path that complements horizontal ventilation, enabling efficient temperature control throughout the stacked storage containers without reducing storage capacity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilation slots are introduced between adjacent tracks of the rail system, then air circulation and temperature control are improved, but structural complexity of the framework increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation slots are merged with the existing framework structure by integrating them into the vertical members that support the horizontal members. The slots are formed as part of the framework's load-bearing elements, combining structural support and ventilation functions into a single integrated component, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical members of the framework structure serve dual functions: providing structural support for the storage columns and rail system, and simultaneously acting as ventilation channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate ventilation structures, maintaining framework simplicity while achieving improved air circulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ventilated storage containers are positioned with ventilation openings facing towards ventilation slots, then temperature control and air quality are improved, but storage container positioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and determining the optimal storage positions for ventilated containers before they are loaded. The system identifies which columns have adjacent ventilation slots and pre-assigns appropriate container orientations, eliminating the need for complex real-time positioning adjustments and simplifying the loading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from container type identification to automatically adjust positioning instructions. When a ventilated container is detected, the system provides feedback to the positioning mechanism to orient the ventilation openings towards adjacent slots, and when non-ventilated containers are detected, standard positioning is maintained, thereby simplifying operations through adaptive control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system accommodates both ventilated and non-ventilated storage containers, then system versatility is improved, but control and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, automatically adjusting its management strategy based on the type of container being stored. The system can switch between different positioning and ventilation management modes depending on whether ventilated or non-ventilated containers are present, providing versatility without requiring a completely different control architecture for each container type.
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 configuration enhances the storage environment for fresh food and produce by maintaining desired temperature and air quality, improving storage efficiency and reducing spoilage, while also accommodating non-ventilated products in the same system.
Implementation Method 1
The rail system comprises rails, each rail comprising tracks, wherein adjacent tracks of at least one rail of the rail system are separated by a ventilation slot extending in a vertical plane between two adjacent storage columns
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system for storing product items includes a framework structure with upright members and horizontal members and a storage volume including storage columns between the members. The framework structure includes a rail system arranged above the members. The automated storage and retrieval system further includes storage containers in which the product items are stored and container handling vehicles moving along the rail system for transporting the storage containers. The storage containers are stackable in stacks within the storage columns. The rail system includes rails and each rail includes tracks. Adjacent tracks of at least one rail of the rail system are separated by a ventilation slot extending in a vertical plane between two adjacent storage columns.