Centering Station With Curved Means For Load Carrier Position Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centering systems for load carriers in channel storage systems face challenges in efficiently correcting the position of load carriers, particularly in systems not operating in single-sort mode, where frequent rearrangements lead to incorrect positioning risks.
Innovation Solution
A centering station with a centering channel that features a decreasing clear span between centering means in both the longitudinal and vertical directions, allowing for efficient position correction using standard on-board resources of the channel vehicle, such as a drive and lifting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a centering station with decreasing clear span is used to correct load carrier positions, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centering means are designed with curved surfaces that have a decreasing clear span in the longitudinal direction. The curved geometry automatically guides the load carrier to the correct position through passive mechanical contact, eliminating the need for active control systems while achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering station utilizes the load carrier's own weight and the decreasing clear span geometry to achieve self-centering. As the load carrier moves through the centering channel, its weight causes it to naturally settle into the correct position without requiring additional actuators or control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent rearrangements are performed in non single-sort mode systems, then system versatility is improved, but positioning reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The centering station is positioned at strategic locations within the channel storage system to perform preliminary position correction after rearrangement operations. This preventive approach ensures that load carriers are re-centered before they can cause operational issues, maintaining reliability despite frequent rearrangements.
3Device complexity
If standard on-board resources are used for position correction, then device complexity is reduced, but correction speed may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The centering means are designed to work dynamically with the channel vehicle's existing drive and lifting mechanisms. The geometry of the centering means is optimized to achieve rapid position correction during the vehicle's normal movement cycles, transforming standard operational movements into efficient centering actions without adding dedicated correction mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A centering station may be used for correcting a position of a load carrier on a channel vehicle. A centering station may comprise a centering channel extending along a longitudinal direction, the centering channel comprising at least one running rail for the channel vehicle running in the longitudinal direction and at least two centering means extending substantially in the longitudinal direction above the at least one running rail. In embodiments, the centering channel may comprise an entrance which allows the channel vehicle to enter the centering channel, wherein a clear span between the centering means decreases in the longitudinal direction of the centering channel. In embodiments, a clear span is measured in the transverse direction, i.e., horizontally and orthogonally to the longitudinal direction, wherein the clear span between the centering means decreases in the vertical direction, i.e., vertically and orthogonally to the longitudinal direction towards the running rail.