Automated Battery Exchange Loader for ASRS Grid Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face issues with robot standstill due to the need for recharge, leading to reduced operational cycles and complex, service-intensive charging systems that occupy valuable grid space and limit the lateral extent of power storage sources.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a charging station integrated into the horizontal rail system, featuring an automated loader that can exchange and transport replaceable power supplies between the container handling vehicles and charging racks, allowing flexible battery exchange at any grid location, reducing the need for additional cabling and enabling modular, compact, and easily accessible charging solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a charging station with charging racks is integrated into the horizontal rail system, then grid space usage is minimized and operational efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases due to automated loader integration
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station is integrated directly into the horizontal rail system, merging the charging function with the existing transport infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate charging areas and minimizes grid space usage while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated loader serves multiple functions: it transports containers between storage locations and simultaneously performs power supply exchange between vehicles and charging racks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated charging equipment and simplifies the overall system.
2Ease of repair
If replaceable power supplies are used in container handling vehicles, then service intensity and ease of maintenance are improved, but the device complexity increases due to power supply compartment and exchange mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into replaceable modular units that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows for easy maintenance and replacement of power supplies without affecting the entire vehicle system, while the modular design standardizes the exchange process.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated loader acts as an intermediary mechanism that handles the complex aspects of power supply exchange. It positions, connects, and secures power supplies between vehicles and charging racks, reducing the complexity burden on the vehicle itself while enabling easy maintenance.
3Area of stationary object
If charging racks are arranged vertically in columns, then grid space usage is reduced and fire protection is improved, but the lateral extent of power storage sources is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The charging racks are arranged vertically in columns, transitioning from horizontal to vertical space utilization. This dimensional change minimizes the footprint on the grid while providing sufficient capacity through vertical stacking, effectively addressing the space constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides flexibility through the automated loader that can access any position in the vertical column and exchange power supplies dynamically. This dynamic capability compensates for the limited lateral extent by enabling versatile power supply management within the constrained horizontal space.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one container handling vehicle (3-5), a horizontal rail system (108) for the container handling vehicle to run on, and a charging station for recharging a replaceable power source (28) of the container handling vehicle, wherein: the container handling vehicle (3-5) comprises a first set of wheels (32a) for moving the container handling vehicle upon the rail system in a first direction, a second set of wheels (32b) for moving the container handling vehicle upon the rail system in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction, and a power supply compartment (27a) within the container handling vehicle for accommodating a replaceable power supply (28) when the container handling vehicle is in use; and the charging station is provided on or at the horizontal rail system, the charging station (90) comprising one or more charging racks (91), each charging rack (91) providing a column of charging positions (92) for recharging replaceable power supplies (28) and each charging position (92) being configured to accommodate a replaceable power supply (28) during a recharging process, the charging station (90) further comprising an automated loader (40; 40') comprising a power supply support (43), the automated loader (40; 40') is arranged to move vertically and horizontally in said first and second directions for exchanging and transporting a replaceable power supply (28) between the charging rack (91) and the power supply compartment (27a) of the container handling vehicle by retrieving a first replaceable power supply (28) from and inserting the first replaceable power supply (28) into a charging position (92) of the charging rack (91) and by retrieving a second replaceable power supply (28) from and inserting the second replaceable power supply (28) into the power supply compartment (27a) of the container handling vehicle (3) by the automated loader (40; 40') extending into said charging rack (91) and power supply compartment (27a) It is further described an automated loader for use in the system as well as methods for transferring power supply from a charging position in a charging rack and a power compartment in a container handling vehicle, and vice versa.