Automated Storage System Vertical Container Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems are not optimized for installation and use in public spaces, as they often require significant real estate and do not efficiently utilize vertical dimensions, leading to wasted space and reduced storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage system with a compact enclosure and rotating containers that attach to a shelfless support structure, allowing for efficient use of vertical space and minimizing footprint, featuring a manipulator for transporting containers between access and storage positions, and a one-sided attachment interface for secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional automated storage systems use pallets and manipulators to transport items, then item storage and retrieval functionality is achieved, but the system requires significant real estate and does not efficiently utilize vertical dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal pallet-based storage to vertical container悬挂 storage. Containers are hung from the ceiling via chains, utilizing the vertical dimension extensively. This allows the system to achieve high storage capacity within a compact footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between storage volume and real estate requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into modular container units, each capable of independently holding items. These segmented containers can be individually hung, moved, and stored, allowing flexible space utilization. The segmentation enables efficient vertical stacking and distributes the storage function across multiple small units rather than requiring large continuous space.
2Area of stationary object
If containers are stored in traditional orientations, then storage stability is maintained, but vertical space utilization is inefficient and footprint is maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional storage orientation by hanging containers from the ceiling rather than placing them on the floor. This vertical suspension system maximizes vertical space utilization and minimizes the horizontal footprint, allowing more storage capacity within the same real estate constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The container suspension system allows containers to be dynamically positioned and repositioned vertically along the ceiling structure. This dynamic storage arrangement enables flexible space utilization and efficient vertical stacking, optimizing both footprint and storage capacity according to operational needs.
3Productivity
If containers are transported without rotation, then transport simplicity is maintained, but access efficiency and retrieval speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator performs preliminary rotation of containers to the correct orientation before final positioning. By pre-orienting containers during the transport phase, the system ensures rapid and accurate retrieval without requiring additional rotation operations at the destination, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through integrated motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator combines transport and rotation operations into a continuous, integrated motion sequence. Rather than separating these functions, the system performs both actions during the single manipulator cycle, eliminating idle time and maximizing the useful action duration. This continuous operation improves retrieval speed while maintaining manageable operational complexity through unified control.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage system for receiving, storing, and dispensing items is herein proposed. The system has an enclosure, which defines a storage volume, and a port which selectively connects the storage volume to the ambient space for deposit and retrieval of items. The system also includes a plurality of containers for containing at least one item being stored as well as a support structure for supporting the plurality of containers in the storage volume. The containers feature a base, an envelope extending from the base, and an opening opposing the base and providing access to an inner volume defined by the base and envelope for containing at least one item. The system includes a manipulator for transporting the containers between an access position at the port and a storage position at the support structure. Finally, the system includes a one-sided attachment interface between the container and the support structure for removably attach the container to the support structure in the storage position, in which the opening of the container is above the base.