Block Storage Through Openings for Multi-Size Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block storage arrangements lack flexibility in handling containers of varying sizes, leading to inefficiencies in storage and retrieval processes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple through openings of different sizes and a dual-loading vehicle system with a common control mechanism, allowing for the simultaneous or separate handling of containers of varying sizes using a master-slave configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single through opening is used in existing block storage arrangements, then the structure is simple, but flexibility in handling containers of varying sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling containers of varying sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single through opening is segmented into multiple through openings of different sizes (first through opening and second through opening). This allows the block storage arrangement to accommodate containers of varying dimensions through the appropriately sized opening, thereby improving adaptability without requiring completely separate storage systems for different container types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The block storage arrangement is designed with multiple through openings that serve universal purposes - each opening can handle containers of its designated size range. The first loading vehicle and second loading vehicle can both operate independently or cooperatively through their respective openings, making the system versatile for handling different container types while maintaining a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple loading vehicles are used to handle large containers, then handling capability is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capability for large containersVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first loading vehicle and second loading vehicle are merged into a coordinated system with a common control mechanism. When a large container needs to be handled, both vehicles work together through the second through opening, with their operations synchronized by the shared control system. This merging approach enables the handling of oversized containers that would be too large for a single vehicle, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first loading vehicle and second loading vehicle. It coordinates their movements and operations to ensure they work harmoniously when handling large containers together, reducing control complexity by providing a centralized coordination point rather than requiring independent control of multiple complex vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If through openings are made larger to accommodate bigger containers, then adaptability improves, but the base area occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to store different container sizesVSAvoidbase area occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The opening space is segmented into multiple through openings of different sizes rather than one large opening. The first through opening is optimized for smaller containers while the second through opening accommodates larger containers. This segmentation allows each opening to be sized efficiently for its specific purpose, improving overall adaptability without requiring a single large opening that would waste space for smaller containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each through opening has locally optimized dimensions suited to the container sizes it handles. The first through opening has dimensions appropriate for smaller containers, while the second through opening has larger dimensions for bigger containers. This local quality optimization ensures that each opening occupies only the necessary base area for its specific function, minimizing total space consumption while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4238898B1Block storage assembly
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4238898B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4238898B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Block storage arrangement with several container stacking spaces (9) and a loading space (10) arranged in the direction of gravity below the container stacking spaces, wherein a through-opening (11a, 11b) is arranged between each container stacking space and the loading space, through which a container (6) can be moved from the loading space into the container stacking space or from the container stacking space into the loading space and which has a holding device (12, 13), wherein at least two through-openings (11a, 11b) have different sizes.