Container Lift Guide Shuttle for Stable High-Reach Storage Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems are limited by the maximum lifting height of container handling vehicles, requiring dedicated container lifts for vertical distances exceeding 6 meters, which restricts system flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A container lift vehicle with a lifting assembly and guide shuttle that stabilizes the lifting frame's horizontal alignment using guide elements interacting with column profiles, allowing vertical movement beyond conventional limits and eliminating the need for dedicated lifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the maximum lifting height of container handling vehicles is increased beyond 6 meters, then the need for dedicated container lifts is eliminated, but the system flexibility and efficiency are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting frame is designed with dynamic stabilization capabilities through guide elements that actively maintain horizontal alignment during vertical movement. The guide shuttle mechanism allows the lifting frame to adapt its position dynamically while being constrained by guide elements, enabling flexible operation at heights exceeding 6 meters without dedicated lifts.
2Length of moving object
If the lifting frame is raised higher above the top rail grid, then vertical reach is increased, but horizontal misalignment and tilting increase
Solution Approach 1:
Guide elements act as intermediary components between the lifting frame and the storage system structure. These guide elements extend from the top rail grid or column profiles to contact the guide shuttle on the lifting frame, providing mediating guidance that maintains horizontal alignment while allowing vertical movement at increased heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are integrated with existing structural components such as the top rail grid or column profiles, merging the alignment function with the supporting structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms while enabling stable operation at extended vertical reaches.
3Length of moving object
If dedicated container lifts are installed for vertical distances exceeding 6 meters, then lifting capability is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container handling vehicle's lifting device is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standard lifting vehicle for distances up to 6 meters and simultaneously function as a lifting frame with extended vertical reach when the guide shuttle and guide elements are engaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lifts for different height requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a storage system comprising at least one storage grid (104) and a container lift (2), the storage grid comprises vertical column profiles (102) defining a plurality of grid columns (112), the grid columns comprise storage columns (105), in which storage containers (106) can be stored one on top of another in vertical stacks (107), and at least one transfer column (119,120), each of the grid columns being defined by four vertically extending column profiles (102), and the column profiles are interconnected at their upper ends by top rails (110,111) forming a horizontal top rail grid (108) of the storage grid, wherein the container lift comprises a lifting assembly (17,19) which is suspended from one or more spoolable lifting elements (16) and arranged to be raised or lowered in order to raise or lower an accompanying storage container (106) within the storage grid (104), wherein the lifting assembly comprises a lifting frame part (17) for releasable attachment to an upper section of a storage container (106) and a guide shuttle (19) arranged to guide the lifting frame part (17) and any accompanying storage container (106) as the lifting frame part (17) is raised and lowered within the storage grid (104), the guide shuttle is arranged above the lifting frame part and comprises guide elements which are each arranged to interact with one of the four column profiles (102) of a grid column (112) to stabilise and maintain horizontal alignment of the lifting frame part (17) and any accompanying storage container (106) during the raising and/or lowering of the lifting frame part; and a framework (10) featuring internal guide surfaces (118) arranged to interact with the guide elements (22a-d,12) of the guide shuttle (19) when the guide shuttle is at a level above the top rail grid, such that the horizontal alignment of the lifting frame part (17) is stabilised and maintained.