Container-Handling System with Overheight Object Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Storage containers with protruding objects can cause issues in storage and retrieval systems, preventing proper engagement by gripper devices and leading to containers becoming stuck.
Innovation Solution
A container-handling system with a holding frame and overheight detection system using object detection means to identify and prevent engagement when protruding objects are detected, ensuring the holding frame does not move past a defined upper limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the holding frame is designed to engage storage containers without overheight detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the storage and retrieval system deteriorates due to containers with protruding objects causing engagement failures and system disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The overheight detection system performs preliminary detection of protruding objects on storage containers before the holding frame attempts engagement. The detection means (sensors, cameras, or mechanical detectors) scan the container area above the holding frame, identifying overheight objects in advance. This preliminary action prevents engagement failures by alerting the control system to avoid engaging containers with protruding objects, thereby maintaining high system reliability without requiring complex modifications to the holding frame structure.
2Ease of operation
If the holding frame allows movement past the upper limit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the harmful factors increase as protruding objects cause the container to become stuck and disrupt system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the holding frame from moving towards or engaging with storage containers that have protruding objects. When the detection means identifies an overheight object, the control system generates an alert and blocks the engagement command, counteracting the potential harmful effect before it occurs. This approach maintains ease of operation for normal containers while eliminating the risk of system disruptions from stuck containers.
3Loss of time
If no overheight detection is implemented, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to engagement failures and containers becoming stuck in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with simpler sensor-based or vision-based detection systems. Instead of using mechanical sensors that require physical contact and complex calibration, the system employs optical sensors, cameras, or electromagnetic sensors that can detect protruding objects remotely. This substitution reduces the complexity of the detection system while effectively preventing engagement failures and minimizing system downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling device is provided for lifting and moving storage containers arranged in stacks in a storage structure, the storage structure comprising a track structure above the stacks of storage containers. The load handling device comprises a body, a driving assembly configured to move the body on the track structure, and a container-handling system. The container-handling system comprises: a holding frame; a holding assembly mounted on the holding frame, wherein the holding assembly is configured to releasably hold a storage container in a holding region with respect to the holding frame; a lifting assembly configured to lower and raise the holding frame relative to the body; and an overheight detection system comprising object detection means mounted on the holding frame, wherein the object detection means is configured to detect the presence of an object in an overheight region, wherein the overheight region is above the holding region.