Automated storage and retrieval system comprising different temperature zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems are limited to a single temperature environment, necessitating additional installations for temperature control when storing products that require different temperature conditions, such as food that needs to be kept cold or frozen.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional storage grid with multiple temperature zones separated by a thermal barrier, incorporating a rotating elevator for efficient transportation of containers between these zones, and transfer zones for seamless integration with the storage grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single temperature environment is used in the automated storage and retrieval system, then the system structure remains simple and operational efficiency is maintained, but additional temperature control installations are required when storing products that need different temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple temperature zones (e.g., ambient temperature zone and refrigerated zone) separated by thermal barriers. Each zone can independently store products requiring different temperature conditions, eliminating the need for additional temperature control installations while maintaining system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal barrier acts as an intermediary element between different temperature zones, preventing thermal mixing while allowing the container handling vehicle to operate across zones. This mediator enables temperature differentiation without requiring complex active cooling systems throughout the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If containers are transported between different temperature zones, then temperature-controlled storage versatility is achieved, but thermal mixing between zones may occur affecting temperature stability
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier serves as a thermal intermediary that isolates hot and cold zones, preventing thermal mixing during container transport. The barrier maintains temperature stability in each zone while allowing the container handling vehicle to move containers between zones for storage and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage system are assigned different thermal properties - the thermal barrier region provides thermal insulation while the storage column regions provide temperature-controlled environments. This local differentiation of thermal qualities enables stable temperature maintenance in each zone during container transport operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage grid is divided into multiple temperature zones, then products requiring different temperature conditions can be stored, but the thermal barrier may obstruct the movement of container handling vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier is segmented into modular sections that can be configured to allow passage of container handling vehicles. The barrier provides thermal insulation where needed while creating openings or gaps at strategic locations to enable vehicle movement between temperature zones, maintaining both temperature control and operational accessibility.
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
Enables efficient and temperature-controlled storage and retrieval of containers, allowing for seamless transportation between different temperature zones without the need for additional installations, optimizing space and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal barrier (28) dividing the at least two temperature zones (25, 26)
Implementation Method 2
a rotating elevator for lowering and raising a storage container between an access point accessible from one temperature zone on one side of the thermal barrier (28) and a transfer zone (34) accessible to the one or more container handling vehicles (9) within another temperature zone on the other side of the thermal barrier (28)
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a three-dimensional grid (4) with a plurality of storage columns (5) for storing containers (6), one or more container handling vehicles (9) operating on the grid (4) for retrieving storage containers (6) from and storing storage containers (6) in the storage columns (5), and for transporting the storage containers (6) horizontally across the grid (4), and an elevator (30) for transporting containers 6 between different temperature zones arranged horizontally relative to the storage grid (4), and where the temperature zones are divided by a thermal barrier (28).