Container Stack Retrieval Layout With Bottom Access Clamps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fully and semi-automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in container handling, particularly in accessing and managing containers within stacks, leading to delays and reduced productivity due to contention for resources and excessive vertical movement of load handlers.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that includes clamps for supporting and managing containers at the bottom of stacks, lifters for adding or removing containers, and overhead load handlers for efficient stacking and retrieval, along with conveyors and moveable clamps to reduce vertical movement and optimize container handling processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If overhead load handlers are used to access containers from the top of stacks, then container retrieval is enabled, but vertical movement time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical movement timeVSAvoidcontainer handling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces bottom access to container stacks, adding a new dimensional approach to container retrieval. Instead of only accessing containers from the top vertically, the system enables access from the bottom, effectively creating a two-directional access system that reduces the vertical travel distance of load handlers and improves productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple load handlers share the same grid, then system capacity increases, but contention for resources occurs causing delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidwait time due to contention

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the grid into multiple access zones by enabling both top and bottom access points. This segmentation allows different load handlers to operate in different zones simultaneously, reducing contention for the same resources while maintaining increased system capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Area of stationary object

If containers are stacked vertically to increase storage density, then space utilization improves, but access time to lower containers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional top-only access approach by enabling bottom access to stacks. This allows load handlers to retrieve containers from the bottom of stacks directly, eliminating the need to clear upper containers first, thereby maintaining high storage density while significantly reducing access time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3988482A1Storage and retrieval system

Publication Date: 2022.04.27 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

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AI summary

Systems 250 methods 200, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the storage and retrieval of containers in systems such as order processing systems.