Combined Warehouse Single Manipulator Storage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current combined warehouses require high technical complexity in control and movement mechanics due to the need for multiple autonomous manipulators for channel and single-place storage machines, which increases operational effort.

Innovation Solution

A combined warehouse design where a single manipulator serves both input and output for channel stores, with a transfer device bridging the two, allowing for a single retrieval device to handle items of different sizes and configurations, and using a chute or conveyor with a braking device for controlled output, reducing the need for suction cups or grippers and simplifying control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple autonomous manipulators are provided for channel and single-place storage machines, then storage and retrieval operations can be performed independently, but technical complexity in control and movement mechanics increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage and retrieval operationsVSAvoidcontrol and movement mechanics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple storage machines (channel store and single-place storage) into a unified system operated by a single manipulator. The manipulator serves both fast-moving items in channel stores and slow-moving items in single-place storage, eliminating the need for separate autonomous manipulators for each storage type and thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single manipulator is designed with universal capability to handle different storage locations and item types. It can operate at channel stores for fast-moving items and single-place storage for slow-moving items, making one manipulator perform the functions that previously required multiple specialized manipulators.

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

2Productivity

If channel stores are designed for fast-moving items with precise width matching, then storage efficiency improves, but adaptability to different item sizes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidstorage of different item sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the storage system into two distinct zones: channel stores for fast-moving items with precise width matching, and single-place storage for slow-moving items with flexible accommodation. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific purpose while both zones work together under a unified manipulator system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the storage system have different characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The channel stores have precise width matching for efficiency, while single-place storage has flexible accommodation for adaptability. Each local area is designed with the quality needed for its primary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design reduces technical complexity by enabling efficient handling of diverse items with a single retrieval device, lowering operational effort and allowing for flexible storage and retrieval of fast- and slow-moving items without the need for complex manipulator control or reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

He uses a slider to push the objects into the channel he has approached

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

A transfer device bridging the first channel store is provided, which can be loaded with objects from the first manipulator and transfers them to the second manipulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2163492B1Combined warehouse
Publication Date: 2013.01.23 GEBR WILLACH
  • EP2163492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2163492B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The combined warehouse comprises a channel bracket (L1) with an input end (19) and an output end (20) of a channel for receiving of objects in a row in the channel. A manipulator (M1) operates another channel bracket (L2), whose channel has a combined input and output end. Another manipulator (M2) is provided for removing of the objects from the output end of the channels. The former manipulator is movable along a transverse path (22).