Compliant Track Elements for Thermal Expansion in Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage and retrieval systems with large rigid grid framework structures face issues due to thermal expansion and contraction, leading to potential buckling and breakage of track members, as well as seismic movements, which existing solutions like expansion joints fail to address effectively, causing wear and inaccuracies in position and velocity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of compliant track elements with interdigitated slots that allow for thermal expansion, contraction, and seismic movements without sliding parts, providing a smoother ride and reducing wear, and enabling scalable design for various grid framework sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gaps are left between adjacent track sections to allow for thermal expansion, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but the vertical displacement of wheels is exacerbated and shockloads are applied to load handling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The track element incorporates a compliant section with interdigitated slots that allow dynamic deformation to accommodate thermal expansion. The slots enable the track to flex and adapt its shape in response to thermal changes, providing a dynamic solution that eliminates the need for fixed gaps while maintaining thermal accommodation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant section changes its physical parameters (shape, length) in response to thermal expansion through the interdigitated slot mechanism. The slots allow the track element to alter its dimensional parameters smoothly, transforming rigid thermal expansion accommodation into a controlled parameter change that prevents wheel disruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding plate expansion joint is used to allow thermal expansion without gaps, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but wear is caused by sliding motion and shockloads are applied to load handling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical sliding plate system with a compliant section that uses elastic deformation and interdigitated slot geometry to accommodate thermal expansion. This substitution eliminates relative sliding motion between track sections, thereby eliminating wear while maintaining thermal accommodation capability through purely elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant section provides a dynamic response to thermal expansion through elastic deformation of the slot structure. This dynamic elastic deformation replaces the static sliding mechanism, allowing the track to adapt to thermal changes without creating wear-prone contact surfaces or shockloads.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a sliding plate expansion joint is used, then thermal expansion is accommodated, but inaccuracies in position and velocity measurements are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sliding plate mechanism with a compliant section that uses elastic deformation to accommodate thermal expansion. This substitution eliminates the raised profile and mechanical disruption associated with sliding plates, thereby maintaining smooth track surfaces that ensure accurate position and velocity measurements by load handling devices.
4Strength
If traditional rigid track elements are used, then structural strength is maintained, but thermal expansion and contraction cause buckling and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is segmented into rigid track elements connected by compliant sections. The rigid elements maintain structural strength and stability, while the compliant sections with interdigitated slots provide thermal accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function: rigidity where needed and flexibility for thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant section changes its physical parameters (shape, length) in response to thermal expansion through the interdigitated slot mechanism. This parameter change capability allows the track system to maintain overall structural strength while accommodating thermal stresses that would otherwise cause buckling and breakage in purely rigid structures.
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
The compliant track system reduces wear and vibration, maintains traction for load handling devices, and allows for accurate position and velocity measurements, while being cost-effective and adaptable to different-sized grid frameworks.
Implementation Method 1
Thermal expansion can be a problem in automated storage and retrieval systems with large rigid grid framework structures
Implementation Method 2
Thermal expansion and contraction in rigid structures, especially in large rigid structures, can be a problem
Implementation Method 3
In addition to thermal expansion and contraction, the track system needs to account for other movements in the grid framework structure due to seismic activity, e.g. movement of the underlying track support
Data Source
AI summary
A track system for a storage and retrieval system, the track system including a first set of tracks extending in a first direction and a second set of tracks extending in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, each of the first and second sets of tracks including a plurality of track elements, wherein at least a section of at least one track element of the first and/or second sets of tracks including a plurality of interdigitated slots such that the at least one track element is compliant.