Container Access Lift Layout for Port Congestion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face congestion issues around pick-up and drop-off ports, inefficiencies due to empty container handling vehicles moving without payload, and space constraints, particularly in consumer-accessible areas where visibility and safety are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A container accessing station with a lifting device that retrieves storage containers from a lower level and lifts them to an upper level for access, allowing the system to be hidden from consumers and optimizing space usage, while enabling efficient delivery and retrieval operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are stacked in columns and accessed via container handling vehicles on rails, then storage density is improved, but congestion occurs around pick-up and drop-off ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by implementing multi-level stacking with containers positioned at different heights (first level, second level, third level). The lifting device operates vertically to move containers between levels, transforming the traditional horizontal access system into a three-dimensional structure. This vertical arrangement increases storage density while distributing access operations across multiple levels, thereby reducing congestion at any single port location.
2Ease of operation
If the storage and retrieval system is visible and accessible to consumers, then accessibility is improved, but safety concerns and space constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two distinct levels: a first level (ground floor) that is accessible to consumers with access openings for retrieving containers, and a second level (upper floor) that houses the automated storage and retrieval operations. This segmentation allows consumers to access the system safely at ground level while the potentially hazardous automated machinery operates separately at an elevated level, thus maintaining both accessibility and safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If container handling vehicles move without payload, then system flexibility is maintained, but efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lifting device as an intermediary component that operates independently at each port location. This lifting device acts as a local mediator that can transfer containers vertically between levels without requiring container handling vehicles to travel empty distances. The vehicles focus on horizontal transport with payload, while the lifting devices handle vertical transfers, thereby improving overall system efficiency while maintaining flexibility.
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 solution reduces congestion, saves space, enhances safety by hiding the storage and retrieval system, and allows for easy expansion of delivery capacity, improving overall efficiency and accessibility of storage containers.
Implementation Method 1
a lifting device arranged to retrieve a storage container from a first level beneath a base opening and lift it up through the base opening to a second level
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes an automated storage and retrieval grid, a container accessing station, a delivery rail system, and a delivery vehicle operating on the delivery rail system. The automated storage and retrieval grid includes a container handling vehicle rail system for guiding a plurality of container handling vehicles, the container handling vehicle rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane (P) and extending in a first direction (X), and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane (P) and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the horizontal plane (P) comprising a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells, each container handling vehicle grid cell comprising a container handling vehicle grid opening defined by a pair of neighboring rails of the first set of rails and a pair of neighboring rails of the second set of rails; and a delivery column adapted for transport of a storage container arranged in a stack of storage containers beneath the container handling vehicle rail system between a container handling vehicle and a delivery port situated at a lower end of the delivery column. The delivery rail system includes at least a first set of parallel rails arranged in a horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a first direction (X), and at least a second set of parallel rails arranged in the horizontal plane (P1) and extending in a second direction (Y) which is orthogonal to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of rails together defining a delivery grid of delivery grid cells. The delivery vehicle includes a motorized vehicle body and a container carrier provided above the motorized vehicle body for carrying the storage container. The delivery vehicle is arranged to transport the storage container from the delivery port of the storage grid across the delivery grid to the delivery grid cell situated below the container accessing station. The container accessing station includes an access opening through which a human and/or robot may access contents of the storage container; a base opening; and a lifting device arranged to retrieve the storage container from a first level beneath the base opening and lift it up through the base opening to a second level so that the storage container may be accessed through the access opening. The delivery vehicle is arranged to deliver the storage container to the lifting device of the container accessing station, or receive a storage container from the lifting device and return the storage container to the delivery port for storage within the storage grid.