Bin Storage Robots on Removable Covers for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems for temperature-controlled bins are complex, costly, and result in product warming and condensation issues due to cover handling and temperature transitions, with inefficient robot movement and infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A bin storage system with removable covers forming a rolling surface for robots, allowing easy access to columns by pivoting or sliding, and integrated thermal insulation to maintain temperature control and reduce infrastructure costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If covers are removed and placed on top of other covers to gain access to bins, then access to bins is achieved, but the handling complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cover handling function from the robot's primary bin handling task. A separate dedicated robot is assigned solely to remove and replace covers, while other robots focus on bin operations. This division of labor simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for multi-functional robots and reduces the complexity of coordinating cover handling with bin retrieval operations.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated robots are used to handle covers while another robot picks up or places bins, then cover handling is simplified, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the dedicated cover-handling robot to perform multiple operations: removing covers from columns, placing covers on columns, and coordinating with bin-handling robots. This single robot handles all cover-related tasks that would otherwise require multiple specialized mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If numerous manipulations of covers are performed, then access to bins is achieved, but product warming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the cover removal robot prepare and remove covers before bin retrieval operations begin. This pre-prepared state eliminates the need for repeated cover manipulations during bin handling, thereby minimizing the time products are exposed to ambient temperature and preventing warming.
4Loss of time
If temperature-controlled circulation area is maintained for robots, then product exposure time is reduced, but condensation occurs on robot circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by implementing a mechanical cover removal mechanism that operates at the column level rather than requiring temperature-controlled robot manipulation. This intermediary approach allows covers to be removed and replaced without temperature-sensitive electronic robots being exposed to temperature differentials, thereby preventing condensation on robot circuits while still minimizing product exposure time.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If lifts are used to transport bins between temperature zones, then condensation is prevented, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the bin transport mechanism. Instead of using lifts to move bins between temperature zones, the system maintains a single temperature-controlled environment and uses mechanical cover removal to protect bins during handling. This extraction eliminates the need for complex temperature-zoning infrastructure and lift mechanisms, reducing system complexity while still preventing condensation through proper cover management.
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
Facilitates quick, cost-effective access to bins at varying temperatures with reduced product warming and condensation, enhancing robot mobility and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
said robot has means for pushing, pulling and/or lifting said covers to change the position of said covers to free access to the upper part of said columns
Implementation Method 2
integrated thermal insulation to maintain temperature control and reduce infrastructure costs
Data Source
AI summary
A bin storage system includes a plurality of storage columns configured to receive a stack of bins. Upper contours of the storage columns form a grid. At least one robot operates above the grid, which is capable of picking up, transporting and depositing bins. The robot includes elements for gripping and lifting at least one bin. A plurality of removable covers above the grid form a circulation platform for the robot. The robot includes elements for pushing, pulling and/or lifting the covers to change the position of the covers to free access to the upper part of the columns.