Block Storage Flap Axle Mounting for Easy Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block storage arrangements face challenges in maintaining a simple and maintenance-friendly design, particularly in replacing or performing maintenance on the holding device's flap, which is crucial for efficient container stacking and retrieval.

Innovation Solution

The axle of the holding device's flap is mounted in a bolt socket with an axle hold-down device that secures it above the socket, allowing easy access and replacement, and is connected to the frame using screws for stability and precision, with a spring bias and plastic components for ease of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the axle is mounted directly in the edge of the through-opening, then the structure is simple, but the flap becomes difficult to replace and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of flap replacementVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into separate components: a bolt socket fixed in the frame edge, and a removable axle. This segmentation allows the axle to be easily extracted for flap replacement while keeping the overall mounting structure simple and fixed in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle is extracted as a separate removable component from the mounting structure. The bolt socket remains fixed in the frame, while the axle can be easily removed and reinserted, enabling rapid flap maintenance without disturbing the entire mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the axle is mounted without a retention mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but the flap may accidentally displace during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflap position stabilityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded retainer applies a preliminary retaining force to the axle in the opposite direction of potential displacement. This preventive measure ensures the flap remains securely positioned during container handling operations, counteracting any forces that might cause accidental displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer mechanism is pre-configured with a spring that continuously applies retaining force to the axle before any operational forces are applied. This preliminary action ensures the flap is always held in its correct position, preventing displacement rather than correcting it after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the axle retainer is connected to the frame with multiple screws, then the connection is more stable, but the assembly and disassembly become more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into a modular retainer component with integrated screw holes, allowing the entire retainer assembly to be installed or removed as a single unit. This reduces the number of separate fastening operations needed while maintaining stable connection through multiple screw attachment points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4238895B1Block storage arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4238895B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4238895B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4238895B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A block storage arrangement is described, comprising several container receiving chambers, a loading chamber arranged below the container receiving chambers in the direction of gravity, a through-opening between each container receiving chamber and the loading chamber, and a holding device arranged in the through-opening. This holding device has a flap (7) pivotable about an axis between a holding position and a release position, the axis being supported in the edge of the through-opening. The block storage arrangement is designed to be easy to maintain. For this purpose, the axis is supported at least at one end in a bolt socket open upwards in the direction of gravity. An axis retainer (18) is attached to the edge of the through-opening, which is at least partially arranged above the bolt socket in the direction of gravity and acts on the end of the axis.