Automated Cleaning Unit for Matrix Storage Cells

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual cleaning of large storage systems with matrix-patterned storage cells is cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive, particularly in the food industry, where hygiene requirements demand regular cleaning and disinfection, often necessitating ladders and movable platforms, which reduces storage space.

Innovation Solution

An automated apparatus with a positioning/retrieval part and a cleaning unit that moves along independent directions, allowing for automatic cleaning of storage cells without manual labor, equipped with nozzles, brushes, dosing units, drying units, suction units, scrapers, and wiping units to perform cleaning operations within the storage cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual cleaning is performed by cleaning personnel using ladders and movable platforms, then cleaning can be carried out, but storage space is reduced and the process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into modular cleaning units that can independently access and clean individual storage cells. Each cleaning unit is a self-contained module with its own cleaning mechanisms, allowing distributed cleaning across the storage system without requiring centralized access points that consume space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage system performs its own cleaning through integrated cleaning units that are part of the storage structure itself. The system cleans itself automatically without requiring external human intervention, eliminating the need for cleaning personnel to access the storage cells manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual cleaning is performed with cleaning personnel carrying articles, then cleaning can be executed, but the process becomes cumbersome and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system performs its own cleaning through integrated cleaning units that are part of the storage structure itself. The system cleans itself automatically without requiring external human intervention, eliminating the need for cleaning personnel to access the storage cells manually.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical cleaning actions by personnel are replaced with automated cleaning mechanisms including spray nozzles, rotating brushes, and suction systems that are mechanically driven and controlled automatically, eliminating the need for human physical labor in cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If sufficient space is provided between racks for cleaning personnel access, then safe cleaning is enabled, but storage capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning safetyVSAvoidstorage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is divided into modular cleaning units that can independently access and clean individual storage cells. Each cleaning unit is a self-contained module with its own cleaning mechanisms, allowing distributed cleaning across the storage system without requiring centralized access points that consume space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning units can move in multiple dimensions including vertical movement along the rack height and horizontal movement between cells. This multi-dimensional access capability allows cleaning of all surfaces including those previously difficult to reach, without requiring additional horizontal space between racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2091670B1An apparatus and a method for cleaning a storage system

Publication Date: 2012.01.25 KJ INDS

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AI summary

An apparatus and a method for cleaning a storage system comprising a plurality of storage cells arranged in a matrix pattern are provided. A cleaning unit is arranged on an apparatus for positioning and retrieving articles in/from the storage system in such a manner that it can be moved along with a positioning/retrieval part, thereby gaining access to each of the storage cells. According to the method the cleaning unit is moved and operated in accordance with a selected moving pattern and a selected cleaning operation pattern, thereby obtaining a desired kind of cleaning in selected desired parts of the storage system. The invention makes it possible to provide automatic cleaning of the storage system, while using existing parts to the maximum extent possible.