Multi-Level Container Grid Layout for Irregular Warehouse Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in optimizing available storage space within warehouses with non-ideal configurations and dimensions, leading to wasted valuable space due to their requirement for cubic or rectangular storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an automated storage and retrieval grid with a delivery system and a vehicle lift device, where the grid has vertical members for stacking containers, a container handling vehicle rail system for guiding vehicles, and a delivery rail system for moving containers between levels, allowing for efficient transportation and storage across varying warehouse layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If automated storage and retrieval systems use traditional cubic or rectangular storage spaces, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but valuable warehouse space is wasted when the warehouse has non-ideal configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs movable and adjustable shelving units that can be reconfigured dynamically to adapt to different warehouse layouts and space requirements, transforming a static cubic structure into a flexible system that optimizes non-ideal warehouse configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical space more effectively by implementing multi-level stacking and adjustable height shelving, converting two-dimensional floor space limitations into three-dimensional storage capacity to maximize utilization of warehouses with constrained horizontal dimensions
2Stability of the object's composition
If the storage grid structure is made rigid to maintain stability, then structural stability is improved, but the system cannot adapt to varying warehouse layouts and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage grid is divided into modular, independently adjustable segments that can be reconfigured without compromising overall structural stability, allowing adaptation to different warehouse layouts while maintaining rigidity within each module
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs adjustable parameters such as shelf height, module positioning, and connection mechanisms that can be modified to suit different warehouse configurations while maintaining structural integrity through controlled rigidity in critical load-bearing elements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing and transporting storage containers includes an automated storage and retrieval grid including vertical members defining multiple storage columns for storing storage containers on top of each other in vertical stacks. The vertical members are interconnected at their upper ends by a container handling vehicle rail system arranged to guide at least one container handling vehicle being configured to raise storage containers from, and lower storage containers into, the storage columns, and to transport the storage containers above the storage columns. The container handling vehicle rail system includes a first set of parallel rails arranged in a first horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel rails arranged in the first horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, which first and second sets of rails form a grid pattern in the first horizontal plane including a plurality of adjacent container handling vehicle grid cells. Each container handling vehicle grid cell includes 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. A transfer column is adapted for transport of a storage container between the container handling vehicle and a delivery space is situated at a lower end of the transfer column. A delivery system includes a first delivery rail system having at least one set of parallel rails arranged in a second horizontal plane guiding at least one delivery vehicle thereon. The delivery vehicle is adapted to receive and/or deliver a storage container at a storage container delivery location arranged below the delivery space of the transfer column and to move between the storage container delivery location and a second location, the first delivery rail system covers at least an area extending from the storage container delivery location to the second location. A vehicle lift device for transfer of the at least one delivery vehicle between a first lift stop position adjacent the second location in the second horizontal plane and a second lift stop position adjacent a third location arranged in a third horizontal plane being at a different vertical level than the second horizontal plane.