Load Handling Vehicle Battery Layout for Grid Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load handling devices in storage systems face stability issues due to the positioning of rechargeable batteries, which affect the center of gravity and heat management, especially in harsh temperature conditions, leading to potential thermal runaway and reduced battery life.
Innovation Solution
The load handling device is designed with a rechargeable power source positioned above the container space, maintaining a footprint within a single grid cell, and incorporates a thermal management system with a cassette housing and fans to regulate battery temperature, balancing the center of mass and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the rechargeable battery is positioned in the load handling device, then the device can operate autonomously, but the center of gravity becomes unbalanced and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is positioned in the vertical dimension above the container space rather than in the horizontal plane, allowing the device to maintain a compact footprint within a single grid cell while achieving autonomous operation. This vertical arrangement enables the device to operate autonomously without compromising horizontal stability on the grid framework.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the battery is positioned above the container space, then the center of mass is balanced improving stability, but heat management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal management system acts as an intermediary between the battery and the external environment, facilitating heat dissipation. The system includes a housing with thermal management features positioned between the battery and surrounding components, enabling effective heat management while maintaining the beneficial vertical battery configuration for stability.
3Area of stationary object
If the device footprint is confined to a single grid cell, then space utilization is optimized, but stability is compromised due to battery positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is positioned in the vertical dimension above the container space rather than in the horizontal plane, allowing the device to maintain a compact footprint within a single grid cell while achieving autonomous operation. This vertical arrangement enables the device to operate autonomously without compromising horizontal stability on the grid framework.
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
This configuration enhances the stability and extends the battery's cycling service life by maintaining optimal operating temperatures and reducing the risk of thermal runaway, while ensuring the device operates efficiently in varying temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
thermal management system with a cassette housing and fans to regulate battery temperature
Implementation Method 2
cassette housing and fans to regulate battery temperature
Implementation Method 3
positioned above the container space, maintaining a footprint within a single grid cell... balancing the center of mass and improving stability
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling device for lifting and moving one or more containers stacked in a storage system with a grid framework structure supporting a plurality of tracks arranged in a grid pattern. The load handling device includes a driving mechanism, and a vehicle body having a footprint that occupies a single grid cell in the storage system. The vehicle body housing includes a rechargeable power source, a first space configured for accommodating a container and the rechargeable power source is housed in a second space, and a lifting device to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into the first space, wherein the rechargeable power source is arranged above the first space such that the centre of mass of the load handling device is in the second space.