Block Storage Arrangement With Independent Lifting Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
In block storage arrangements, the process of loading and unloading containers is inefficient when the desired container is not at the bottom of a stack, requiring relocation of other containers, which increases time and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a loading vehicle with two independent lifting units allows for simultaneous loading or unloading of two containers, with a control device for synchronized operation and actuating arrangements to manage container holding devices, enabling efficient handling of multiple containers without the need for simultaneous actuation of both lifting units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single lifting unit is used in the loading vehicle, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is reduced because only one container can be loaded or unloaded at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting arrangement is segmented into multiple independent lifting units (first lifting unit and second lifting unit), each capable of independently lifting containers. This allows parallel operation where the loading vehicle can load or unload multiple containers simultaneously, directly resolving the contradiction by increasing productivity through functional segmentation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lifting units are merged into a single loading vehicle platform, sharing common support structures and control systems. This combining approach enables simultaneous container handling operations while avoiding the need for completely separate systems, thus improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If containers are stored in tightly arranged container stacking spaces, then the area utilization is high, but the loading vehicle cannot access all stacking spaces efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The loading vehicle is designed to operate in the horizontal dimension by moving between different positions, while the lifting units operate in the vertical dimension to lift containers from the loading space into container stacking spaces arranged above. This multi-dimensional approach allows tight vertical stacking (high area utilization) while maintaining horizontal accessibility for the loading vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The loading space acts as an intermediary zone between the loading vehicle and the container stacking spaces. Containers are first positioned in this intermediate loading space, then lifted vertically into the tightly arranged stacking spaces above, mediating between the horizontal movement of the loading vehicle and the vertical storage arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A block storage arrangement that includes a plurality of container stacking spaces, a loading space arranged below the container stacking spaces, and at least one loading vehicle which is movable in the loading space and has a lifting arrangement, with which containers can be loaded from below into a container stacking space and can be removed from below from the container stacking space. It would be desirable to enable a high productivity of the block storage arrangement. For this purpose, the lifting arrangement includes at least two lifting units that can be actuated independently of one another.