Automated storage and retrieval system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in accessing deep-laying storage containers, particularly due to time-consuming 'digging' operations required to reach target bins, which affects overall time efficiency and throughput.
Innovation Solution
A storage grid with vertically offset horizontal container supporting frameworks and remotely operated vehicles that utilize a rail system and displacement devices to align storage containers efficiently, allowing direct access without digging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are stacked in deep columns to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but time is lost due to digging operations required to access deep-laying containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking (single dimension access) to horizontal layering with vertical offsets (multiple dimensions). Multiple container supporting frameworks are arranged at different vertical heights, allowing vehicles to access containers from the side rather than digging vertically through stacks. This dimensional change enables direct access to containers that would otherwise require time-consuming digging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent horizontal layers, each supported by separate container supporting frameworks at different vertical offsets. This segmentation allows independent access to each layer without affecting others, eliminating the need to move containers from upper layers to access lower layers.
2Speed
If multiple container supporting frameworks are added at vertical offsets to enable direct access, then access speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple container supporting frameworks serve dual purposes: they provide structural support for containers while simultaneously creating vertically offset layers for direct access. The same frameworks that hold containers also define the horizontal layers, eliminating the need for separate access mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and layering system are merged into a single integrated framework. The container supporting frameworks both bear the weight of containers and establish the vertical layering arrangement, combining structural and organizational functions into one element.
3Quantity of substance
If containers are stored in deep-laying positions to maximize space utilization, then storage density is improved, but throughput decreases due to time-consuming retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vertical offset layers to create horizontal access paths, allowing high-density storage throughout the volume while maintaining fast throughput. Containers in all layers are accessible from the side at the same vertical level, eliminating the throughput penalty associated with deep-laying vertical storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Containers are pre-organized into horizontal layers at different vertical offsets, with each layer independently accessible. This preliminary arrangement ensures that any container can be accessed directly without requiring prior movement of other containers, maximizing both storage density and retrieval speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage grid for storing storage containers includes a plurality of horizontal container supporting frameworks distributed vertically with vertical offsets. The plurality of horizontal container supporting frameworks includes a first container supporting framework and at least one second container supporting framework arranged beneath and parallel to the first container supporting framework. Each of the first and the at least one second container supporting frameworks includes a plurality of container supports arranged in parallel along a first direction. Each container support displays at least one hole with an opening size being at least a maximum horizontal cross section of the storage containers to be stored. The at least one hole of the first container supporting framework are aligned vertically with the at least one hole of the at least one second container supporting framework. At least two of the plurality of container supports of the at least one second container supporting framework are displaceable along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.