Block Storage Center of Gravity Detection for Stack Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In block storage arrangements, the risk of container stacks tilting and overloading the holding device is high due to uneven distribution of load, which can lead to instability and potential damage, as the center of gravity of the containers is not accurately determined.

Innovation Solution

A container load center of gravity determination device using multiple weighing devices and optical recording devices is employed to assess the load distribution and center of gravity, generating warnings and selecting appropriate container receiving spaces to ensure even loading and prevent overloading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If containers are stacked to maximize space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of stack tilting and instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstack stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of container mass and load center of gravity position before the container is stacked. This advance information allows the control unit to calculate the total load center of gravity of the stack in advance and determine the permissible stack height, preventing instability issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the stack configuration and recalculates the total load center of gravity when containers are added or removed. The control unit receives feedback from the weighing devices and optical recording devices, adjusts the permissible stack height dynamically, and provides feedback signals to guide safe stacking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If containers with off-center loads are stacked, then storage operations are simplified, but the holding device becomes overloaded and stack stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage operation simplicityVSAvoidholding device capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system determines the load center of gravity position of each container in advance using weighing devices and optical recording devices before the container is placed on the stack. This preliminary information allows the control unit to identify containers with significantly off-center loads and prevent their placement on the stack, protecting the holding device from overload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the load center of gravity positions of containers in the stack and calculates the total load center of gravity. When a container is added or removed, the system recalculates and provides feedback to determine if the new configuration exceeds permissible limits, enabling dynamic adjustment of stacking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If stack height is increased to improve space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of container stack toppling increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstack toppling risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates the permissible stack height in advance based on the determined mass and load center of gravity position of each container before stacking begins. This pre-calculation ensures that the stack height will not exceed the threshold that could cause toppling, allowing maximum safe utilization of vertical storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The permissible stack height is not fixed but dynamically adjusted based on the actual load characteristics of each container. When containers with better load distribution are stacked, the permissible height increases, allowing greater storage capacity. The system continuously updates the permissible stack height as containers are added or removed from the stack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively minimizes the risk of container stacks tilting and overloading by determining the center of gravity and mass of each container, allowing for optimal placement and distribution of weight across the holding device, thereby maintaining stability and preventing damage.

Implementation Method 1

the center of gravity of the container load is determined by measuring the weight force at several different positions on the container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The container load center of gravity determination device has an optical detection device, with which it is possible to optically determine how the load in the container is arranged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4317028B1Block storage arrangement and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4317028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4317028B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A block storage arrangement (1) is described, comprising several container receiving spaces (2), at least one container (3), and at least one loading vehicle (8), which is movable towards the container receiving spaces (2) in a loading direction and has a container receiving area for the at least one container (3). The aim is to minimize risks during the operation of the block storage arrangement. For this purpose, a container load center of gravity detection device (17) is arranged in the loading direction in front of the container receiving spaces (2).