Container Lifting Assembly With Redundant Hoists for Grid Reliability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-handling devices lack redundancy and flexibility in navigation and lifting operations, leading to potential failures and operational inefficiencies in grid-based storage and retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
A load-handling device with a dual-motor drive system for wheels and independent power sources, combined with a lifting assembly featuring redundant hoist drums and gripper mechanisms, allows for fault-tolerant operation and efficient navigation and lifting of storage containers in a grid framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single motor is used to drive the load-handling device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into multiple independent motor units, with each motor capable of independently driving the load-handling device. This segmentation provides redundancy so that if one motor fails, the device can continue operating with the remaining motors, thereby improving reliability without requiring a completely complex redundant system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each motor unit is designed to be universally capable of driving the device independently, rather than requiring coordinated operation of multiple motors for basic movement. This multi-functionality approach allows any single motor to perform the complete driving function, providing fault tolerance while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple motors are used for driving wheels, then the reliability improves through redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its operational configuration based on the number of functional motors. The control system can operate in single-motor mode, dual-motor mode, or multi-motor mode, dynamically adjusting control parameters and power distribution to optimize performance and simplify control complexity while maintaining fault tolerance capabilities.
3Reliability
If a single hoist drum is used for lifting, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is segmented across multiple independent hoist drums, each capable of independently supporting the load. This segmentation provides redundancy in the lifting system, ensuring that if one drum fails, the remaining drums can continue to support and operate the load, improving reliability while maintaining manageable mechanical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the load-handling device follows a specific route, then the navigation is simplified, but the adaptability decreases due to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts the device's travel path in real-time based on detected obstacles and grid conditions. Rather than following a predetermined rigid route, the system can dynamically recalculate and adapt its trajectory, providing high navigation flexibility while using standardized movement commands that keep control complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A load-handling device (31) for lifting and moving containers (9) is provided, the load- handling device (31) comprising: a body (33) having an upper portion (45) and a lower portion (47), the upper portion (45) being configured to house one or more operation components, the lower portion (47) being arranged beneath the upper portion (45), the lower portion (47) comprising a container-receiving space for accommodating at least part of a container (9); and a container-lifting mechanism (39) comprising a container- gripping assembly (43) configured to releasably grip a container (9) and a raising and lowering assembly (51) configured to raise and lower the container-gripping assembly (43), wherein the raising and lowering assembly (51) comprises a single motor (52) configured to raise and lower the container-gripping assembly (43). Corresponding methods, computer-readable storage media and storage and retrieval systems are also provided.