System for tire storage, retrieval, and inventory management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage and handling of tires in retail and large auto dealerships pose challenges due to their size, shape, and weight, leading to safety concerns, inefficient storage density, and difficulties in managing inventory, which results in time-consuming and error-prone operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated tire storage system featuring a network of channels with rotating rods and actuators that allow for efficient horizontal and vertical movement of tires, enabling dense storage and rapid retrieval, along with a controller for inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tires are stored on floor-to-ceiling racks with narrow access aisles, then storage density is improved, but safety deteriorates due to personnel climbing ladders high above floor level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of personnel climbing ladders with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm with gripper mechanism automatically retrieves tires from storage racks, eliminating the need for human personnel to access high storage locations and thereby resolving the safety hazard while maintaining high storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated tire retrieval mechanisms. The robotic system independently locates, grasps, and retrieves tires from storage positions without human intervention, allowing the storage system to serve itself and eliminating safety risks associated with manual ladder climbing.
2Ease of operation
If access aisles are provided between tire racks, then ease of operation is improved, but storage density deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical access aisles with an automated robotic retrieval system. The robotic arm can access tires from positions that would otherwise require wide aisles for human operators, allowing racks to be placed closer together while maintaining operational accessibility through automation rather than physical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional floor-based access (requiring wide aisles) to three-dimensional robotic access. The robotic arm operates in vertical and horizontal spaces above the floor level, utilizing the third dimension to access stored tires without requiring large horizontal clearance zones, thereby increasing storage density while preserving accessibility.
3Device complexity
If tires are manually handled and tracked, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional integrated system that combines automated robotic retrieval, inventory tracking, and data management in a single platform. The system simultaneously performs mechanical tire retrieval and electronic inventory management, eliminating the need for separate manual processes and significantly improving productivity while the integration keeps overall system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where sensors and tracking systems continuously monitor tire locations, inventory status, and system operations. This feedback loop enables automated adjustment and optimization of retrieval operations, reducing errors and improving productivity without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
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
The system allows for safe, efficient storage and retrieval of tires without personnel on ladders, significantly increasing storage density and enabling real-time inventory management, reducing errors and operational time.
Implementation Method 1
one or more accelerators are positioned in at least a portion of the plurality of channels, each accelerator of the one or more accelerators configured to increase rotational speed about a rotational axis of tires passing through the each accelerator
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A storage array includes one or more tiers including a plurality of roller pairs and at least one motor for spinning each roller pair. Plates are positioned between each roller pair. A horizontal nudge is positioned above each plate moves tires horizontally within the storage array. A tire is moved longitudinally within the storage array by causing a roller pair bearing the tire to spin followed by lifting the plate below the tire, thereby causing the tire to roll forward or backward within the storage array. The storage array may be coupled to a distribution system including a plurality of channels including a planar or concave bottom surface over which tires roll and vertical sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom surface. Accelerators, brakes, junctions, and elevators may be positioned in channels in order to control movement of tires through the distribution system.