Asymmetric Storage Rack Supporting Portions for Compact Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article storage facilities face challenges in downsizing the depth direction and reducing transfer time due to interference between the storage rack and the transfer device, as the trajectory of the transfer mechanism's movement is large when viewed vertically, making it difficult to arrange them closely without interference.
Innovation Solution
The storage rack and transfer device are configured with a specific arrangement where the rack body has asymmetrical supporting portions and an advancing/retracting mechanism with rotating arms, allowing the supporting body to move back and forth, with a trajectory that protrudes on one side, enabling a larger separation space between the supporting portions, thus allowing closer placement without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the storage rack and transfer device are arranged close to each other in the depth direction, then the facility size is reduced and transfer time is shortened, but interference between the storage rack and transfer device occurs due to the large vertical trajectory of the transfer mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the supporting portions asymmetric in the lateral width direction. Specifically, the first supporting portion is positioned at a different distance from the width directional center compared to the second supporting portion. This asymmetric arrangement creates an offset trajectory for the advancing/retracting mechanism that protrudes toward one side, allowing the mechanism to clear the storage rack while moving the supporting body back and forth, thus avoiding interference and enabling closer arrangement in the depth direction.
2Volume of moving object
If the trajectory of the transfer mechanism is kept large to avoid interference, then the storage rack and transfer device can be arranged closely, but the transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized separation space between the first and second supporting portions only in the region where the advancing/retracting mechanism operates. The asymmetric positioning of supporting portions generates a clearance path specifically where needed for the mechanism's trajectory, while maintaining compact overall dimensions. This allows the mechanism to move efficiently without excessive travel distance, balancing transfer speed with interference avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
An advancing/retracting mechanism includes a first arm, a second arm, a first coupling part that couples the first arm and the second arm, and a second coupling part that couples a supporting body and the first arm. A transfer device is configured to move the supporting body back and forth with the first coupling part located on a first side relative to the second coupling part, by rotating the first arm and the second arm. In a first region, which is a region in the depth direction and includes an end on the front side of the rack body, a distance from the width directional center to the first supporting portion is longer than a distance from the width directional center to the second supporting portion.