Container Access Door With Integrated Display for Space-Efficient Workflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional warehouse storage systems require significant space for aisles and lack efficient display solutions for operators, complicating the workflow and increasing the need for additional display surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A container access station with an integrated door that doubles as a display means, providing information directly on the door or container, optimizing space usage and facilitating smooth human-machine interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If traditional warehouse storage systems are used with rows of shelves, then goods can be stored and accessed, but significant space is required for aisles and the workflow becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewarehouse spaceVSAvoidworkflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door and display means are merged into a single integrated component. The door structure incorporates the display means, allowing information to be displayed directly on the door surface. This eliminates the need for separate display surfaces and reduces the overall space required in the workstation area, while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The door serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides safety by covering the access opening when closed, and it displays information to the operator through the integrated display means. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system and reducing space requirements while improving workflow efficiency.

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

2Loss of information

If separate display areas are provided for operators, then information can be displayed, but additional space is required and the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation displayVSAvoiddisplay area space
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display means is merged with the door structure, utilizing the door's surface area for information display. This integration eliminates the need for separate display areas, monitors, or additional display surfaces, thereby reducing the space required while ensuring that all necessary information is readily available to the operator during container access operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The door is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides safety coverage for the access opening and simultaneously serves as an information display surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated display areas, reducing overall space requirements while maintaining effective information communication to the operator.

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

3Reliability

If safety hatches are provided to prevent operator contact with moving components, then operator safety is improved, but access to containers is restricted when the hatch is closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcontainer access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides safety coverage for the access opening when closed, and it serves as an information display surface through the integrated display means. This multi-functional design maintains operator safety while improving ease of operation by providing all necessary information directly on the door, reducing the need for the operator to look away or access separate displays.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4703291A1Container access station
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 AUTOSTORE TECH AS
  • EP4703291A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703291A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703291A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a container access station (500) configured to receive a container at a container-handling position. The container access station comprises an access opening (502) configured to provide access to a container when the container is received at the container handling position; a door (504) configured to cover the access opening (502) in a closed position and allow access to the access opening in an open position; and a display means (512) configured to display a set of one or more display elements on the door.