Block Storage Transfer Station with Extendable Vertical Handoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage arrangements in block storage systems face challenges in achieving a compact footprint while maintaining high efficiency, particularly in the interaction between loading vehicles and container loading and unloading stations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an extendable transfer device with telescopic elements that allow containers to be transferred between loading vehicles and conveyor systems without requiring additional height adjustments, enabling the loading vehicle to remain stationary and minimizing travel paths, thus optimizing space usage and reducing unnecessary handling steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional container loading and unloading station is designed, then containers can be transferred between loading vehicles and storage areas, but the station requires a large footprint and involves complex height adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from horizontal container transfer to vertical container transfer. The loading vehicle positions itself vertically beneath the container receiving area, and the container is lifted upward to the transfer position. This vertical arrangement eliminates the need for complex horizontal height adjustment mechanisms and reduces the station's footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements equipotentiality by aligning the transfer position at a fixed height that corresponds to both the container receiving area and the conveyor system. This creates a gravitational equipotential level where containers can be transferred without requiring additional height adjustments or energy-consuming lifting operations at the transfer point.
2Productivity
If the loading vehicle moves continuously to transfer containers, then container handling can be performed, but unnecessary travel distances reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the loading vehicle position itself in advance at the optimal location beneath the container receiving area before the container transfer begins. The vehicle remains stationary at this pre-positioned location during the lifting and transfer operation, eliminating unnecessary movement during the critical transfer phase and reducing overall handling time.
3Ease of operation
If multiple height adjustment mechanisms are used for container transfer, then containers can be transferred between different levels, but the system becomes more complex and slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple height adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated lifting mechanism. The loading vehicle's lifting mechanism performs both the vertical positioning of the container from the transport position to the transfer position and the coordination with the conveyor system's height, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms at different stages and simplifying the overall system.
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 results in a compact footprint for the container loading and unloading station, enhances efficiency by eliminating redundant handling steps, and allows seamless integration with existing block storage systems, ensuring minimal empty travel distances and efficient container handling.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one extendable element is raised, the container is lifted and thus released from the loading vehicle
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a storage arrangement (1) with a block storage area (2) and a container loading and unloading station (3), wherein the block storage area (2) has several container receiving spaces (15a) and a loading space (4) arranged below the container receiving spaces (15a), wherein at least one loading vehicle (6) with a lifting mechanism (19) is arranged in the loading space (4), wherein the lifting mechanism (19) has a transport position, a transfer position and a lifting position, wherein the container loading and unloading station (3) has a loading vehicle area (5) and a transfer area (9, 10) with a transfer device (13) for interaction with the at least one loading vehicle (6), wherein the transfer position is aligned in the direction of gravity with a height of the transfer device (13). The object of the invention is to design the storage arrangement efficiently.For this purpose, the transfer device (13) has at least one extendable element (20) which can be extended from the transfer area (9, 10) into the loading vehicle area (5) and moved in the direction of gravity.