Block storage assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block storage systems require additional handling equipment and steps to separate and join load-bearing elements from support frames, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method where a vehicle detaches and engages the load-bearing element from the support frame, allowing independent movement and cleaning, and incorporates a lifting device for separation and joining, eliminating the need for additional equipment and enhancing flexibility and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If additional handling equipment is used to separate and join load-bearing elements from support frames, then the separation and joining operations can be performed, but the device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation and joining operationsVSAvoidhandling equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle is equipped with both a lifting device for separating/joining load-bearing elements and a support frame handling device, merging multiple functions into a single vehicle platform. This eliminates the need for separate handling equipment while maintaining full operational capability for separation, joining, and transport operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle serves multiple functions: it transports block storage elements, separates load-bearing elements from support frames using a lifting device, and handles support frames using a dedicated handling device. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized equipment pieces, reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Productivity

If the vehicle performs both transport and separation/joining operations, then equipment utilization increases, but the vehicle complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle utilizationVSAvoidvehicle system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple operational functions (transport, separation, joining, support frame handling) are merged into a single vehicle platform with integrated lifting and handling devices. This consolidation improves productivity by eliminating equipment transfer steps while the modular integration of devices keeps vehicle complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If load-bearing elements and support frames are moved independently, then cleaning and processing flexibility improves, but the handling process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning and processing flexibilityVSAvoidhandling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the load-bearing element and support frame into independently handleable components. The lifting device can separate the load-bearing element for independent cleaning or processing while the support frame is handled separately by the support frame handling device, enabling flexible independent processing of each component type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle with its integrated lifting device and support frame handling device can adapt to different operational modes: transporting complete block storage elements, separating components for independent cleaning, processing load-bearing elements through conveyor systems, or handling support frames separately. This multi-functional capability provides processing flexibility without requiring entirely separate specialized equipment for each function.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4062754B1Block storage assembly
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4062754B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1F
  • EP4062754B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4062754B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4F

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a block bearing arrangement comprising a block bearing, a block bearing element, and a vehicle (2), wherein the block bearing element has a support frame (3) and a load-bearing element (1), the load-bearing element (1) being detachably engaged with the support frame (3). The aim is to simplify the handling of the block bearing element. For this purpose, the vehicle (2) detaches the load-bearing element (1) from the support frame (3) and/or engages the load-bearing element (1) with the support frame (3).