Ceramic Slab Storage Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for storing and transporting ceramic slabs are inefficient, leading to increased costs due to the need for multiple pallets and height-related storage issues, as slabs are typically stored with their pallets, limiting space optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a forklift that uses a vertical support group of columns to separate ceramic slabs from their pallets, allowing the pallets to be reused and enabling more efficient storage by stacking only the slabs on shelves, with the aid of a supporting frame to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic slabs are stored together with their pallets on shelves, then the slabs are supported and organized, but the storage space is wasted and additional pallet costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two independent components: pallets for transport and support groups for storage. The ceramic slabs are transferred from pallets to support groups, allowing pallets to be reused for new loads while support groups occupy storage shelves. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the transport function (pallet) from the storage function (support group).
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic slabs are extracted from the pallets and placed onto support groups before being stored on shelves. This extraction allows the pallets to be freed and reused for additional loads, while only the necessary support groups occupy storage space, thereby reducing overall storage volume requirements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ceramic slabs are stored together with their pallets, then the slabs remain stable and organized, but the number of pallets increases leading to additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into reusable pallets and dedicated support groups. Pallets are used only for transport and can be reused multiple times, while support groups serve as permanent storage fixtures. This segmentation reduces the total quantity of pallets needed since they are not consumed during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallets are discarded from the storage configuration and recovered for reuse in transport operations. After delivering slabs to the support groups, pallets are freed and can be immediately reused for new loads, reducing the total number of pallets required in the system.
3Ease of operation
If groups of stacked slabs are stored with their pallets, then the slabs are easily accessible, but the storage height increases reducing shelf capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system separates the access function (handled by forklifts interacting with support groups) from the height constraint. Support groups are designed to allow forklift access without requiring the full pallet height, enabling efficient retrieval while optimizing vertical shelf space utilization.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A method for transporting and storing ceramic slabs comprises the following steps: • - bringing a pallet loaded with ceramic slabs (20) on the vertical of a support group (50) comprising a plurality of elements that extend vertically; • - lowering the pallet (30) until the ceramic slabs remain supported by the support group; • - picking the ceramic slabs separated from the pallet; • - depositing the ceramic slabs on a shelf (60).