Automated Storage System for Suspended Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems for hanging goods, such as clothes and bags, face issues with damage to items due to improper gripping and frequent jamming of storage and retrieval devices, particularly with items like winter jackets and coats, and are complex in design requiring multiple storage rods and fixing devices.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a goods transport device with adjustable second goods receiving carriers and storage and retrieval devices featuring pin-shaped driving elements that protrude from above to securely engage and disengage hooks of clothes hangers or hanging bags, preventing damage and jamming by ensuring the driving elements never come into contact with the goods, and uses a profiled support system to stabilize the hooks, reducing pivoting and wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If driving elements grip clothes hangers directly for storage and retrieval, then the storage and retrieval function is achieved, but damage to goods (especially high-collar items) and jamming occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiving section as an intermediary structure between the driving element and the clothes hanger. The driving element engages with the receiving section rather than directly gripping the clothes hanger, which mediates the force transmission and prevents direct contact that causes damage and jamming.
Solution Approach 2:
The goods receiving carrier is segmented into distinct functional sections: support sections for holding the clothes hanger and a receiving section for engaging the driving element. This segmentation allows the driving element to interact only with the receiving section, isolating the goods from direct mechanical stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple storage rods and fixing devices are used for stable storage, then storage capacity and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The goods receiving carrier serves multiple functions: it supports the clothes hanger via support sections, engages with the driving element via the receiving section, and provides structural stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing devices and multiple storage rods, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function and the engagement function into a single integrated goods receiving carrier structure. The support sections and receiving section form a unified component that combines stability provision with driving element engagement, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If driving elements are positioned to engage clothes hangers, then storage and retrieval operation is enabled, but contact with goods causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving section acts as a mediator between the driving element and the clothes hanger. The driving element operates easily by engaging the receiving section, while the clothes hanger remains protected from direct contact, thus maintaining ease of operation without causing damage to goods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automated storage system (1, 80) for items (2) suspended on clothes hangers (4) and/or for suspension bags for items, an operating method for a storage system (1, 80) of this type and an item conveying device (7, 67) for the storage and retrieval of suspended items (2) / suspension bags. The item carriers (12, 34) for receiving the suspended items (2) / suspension bags have, when viewed in cross-section, two support portions (48a, 48b) inclined relative to the vertical and a receiving portion (49) lying therebetween, the receiving portion forming an elongate slot in the item carrier (12, 34). In order to convey the suspended items (2) / suspension bags, driving members (54, 79) are moved into the receiving portion (49). A lateral movement can be superimposed on the downward movement of the driving members (54, 79). In addition, the suspended items (2) / suspension bags can be deposited at different points from the pick-up points of the suspended items (2) / suspension bags.