Container Vehicle Charging Contacts for Wear-Free Rail Grid Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges with charging systems that require high precision and are vulnerable to wear, limiting the practical charging current due to friction between plug/socket interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with separated charge-receiving and charge-providing elements on the container vehicle and charging station, allowing contact via vertically aligned surfaces, enabling increased tolerance and efficient charging without the need for precise horizontal coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a plug/socket interface is used for charging the container vehicle, then electrical connection is established, but friction between the plug/socket limits the practical charging current and causes wear
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is segmented into two separate elements: a charge-providing element fixed to the charging station and a charge-receiving element on the vehicle. These elements contact vertically through aligned surfaces rather than through a traditional horizontal plug/socket interface, eliminating friction and enabling higher charging currents without wear
Solution Approach 2:
The charging contact is transitioned from a horizontal coupling (plug inserted into socket) to a vertical alignment and contact mechanism. The charge-receiving element is lowered vertically to contact the charge-providing element from above, utilizing the vertical dimension to eliminate lateral friction forces
2Ease of operation
If a traditional plug/socket charging interface is used, then charging connection is established, but high precision alignment is required and horizontal coupling is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The charging mechanism uses vertical alignment and lowering of the charge-receiving element to contact the charge-providing element, replacing the need for precise horizontal coupling. This vertical approach significantly reduces alignment precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The charge-receiving element is designed to be lowered automatically or controllably to contact the charge-providing element, and can be raised automatically to disconnect. This self-service mechanism simplifies the charging operation without requiring manual intervention for precise alignment
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
Enhances charging efficiency by allowing for increased charging current while reducing wear and maintaining vehicle mobility, thus improving the reliability and performance of the charging process.
Implementation Method 1
the first set of wheels is displaceable in a vertical direction between a first position, wherein the first set of wheels may move the container vehicle in a first direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a storage system comprising at least one container vehicle (6',300',400), a horizontal rail grid (108,5) and a charging system for charging a rechargeable power source (20) of the container vehicle, wherein - the container vehicle comprises a first set of wheels (32a) and a second set of wheels (32b) for moving the container vehicle upon the rail grid; - the first set of wheels (32a) is displaceable in a vertical direction between a first position, wherein the first set of wheels may move the container vehicle in a first direction (X), a second position, wherein the first and the second set of wheels are in contact with the rail grid, and a third position wherein the second set of wheels may move the container vehicle in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction; - the charging system comprises two separated charge-receiving elements (21a,21b) arranged on the container vehicle and connected to the power source (20), and a charging station (22) comprising two separated charge- providing elements (23a,23b) connected to a power source charger (24); and - each of the charge-receiving elements (21) comprises a first contact surface (25), and each of the charge-providing elements (23a,23b) comprises a second contact surface (26); wherein the first contact surfaces are arranged to be contactable with the corresponding second contact surfaces when the container vehicle is positioned above the charge-providing elements.