Container Handler With Rotating Arm for Bidirectional Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container handling systems in automated storage and retrieval systems are inefficient and resource-intensive, particularly in transferring containers between ports and conveyors, leading to high costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A container handler with a rotatable and vertically displaceable arm equipped with couplers for bidirectional transfer of containers, allowing efficient handling between a storage grid port and a conveyor, featuring a compact design with minimal moving parts for robust and cost-effective operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional container handling vehicles with multiple wheels and lifting devices are used, then containers can be transported and lifted, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handling vehicle structureVSAvoidcontainer transfer operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The container handler is divided into functionally independent modules: a conveyor system for horizontal transport and a robotic arm system for vertical lifting and positioning. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational reliability through specialized function execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm assembly serves multiple functions: it lifts containers vertically, positions them horizontally, and interfaces with both the conveyor system and storage locations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lifting devices and positioning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising operational capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If automated container handling systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but the initial investment and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer rateVSAvoidautomated handling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the conveyor transport function with the robotic lifting and positioning function into a single integrated container handler. This combination eliminates the need for separate automated lifting equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing the complexity and cost of automated handling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm assembly is equipped with sensors and control systems that enable it to autonomously detect container positions, calculate optimal transfer paths, and execute lifting operations without human intervention. This self-service capability maintains high productivity while reducing the need for complex centralized control systems and manual operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If compact container handler design is used, then space efficiency improves, but the lifting capacity and reach may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer handler footprintVSAvoidarm reach and lifting height

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm assembly utilizes vertical space by operating in three-dimensional space with multiple degrees of freedom. The arm can extend vertically to achieve greater lifting height and horizontally to increase reach, while the base footprint remains compact. This dimensional approach allows the handler to access containers at various heights and positions without requiring a large ground footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm assembly employs dynamic movement capabilities with multiple joints that can adjust the arm's position and orientation in real-time. This dynamic configuration allows the arm to reach extended distances and lift to greater heights while maintaining a compact stationary footprint, as the extended reach is achieved through coordinated joint movement rather than a larger physical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250276851A1A container handler, a storage and retrieval system comprising the container handler and a method for handling a container by means of the container handler

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

The invention concerns a container handler (2) for bidirectional transfer of containers (20, 106) between a port (205) of a storage grid (104) of an automated storage and retrieval system (1) and a conveyor (210) for transporting containers. The container handler (2) comprises an arm (215) having an axis of rotation (AR), an arm displacer (220), at least a first coupler (225a) provided at a first end of said arm (215), said first coupler (225a) for releasable engagement with a container (20, 106). The arm displacer (220) is configured to rotate the arm (215) about the axis of rotation (AR) with at least the first coupler (225a) held in a horizontal plane between a first and a second arm rotational position and displace the arm (215) with the first coupler (225a) in a vertical direction between a first and a second vertical position. The invention further concerns an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising the container handler (2) and a method for handling a container (20, 106) by means of the container handler (2).