Multi-Level Container Storage With Stacker Crane Rack Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container storage systems face challenges in efficiently stacking and retrieving containers due to the complexity of accessing containers other than the topmost one, leading to slow and inaccurate operations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-level container storage system with a container handling apparatus that includes a stacker crane and a carrier device capable of moving containers in vertical and horizontal directions, utilizing a ropeless handling mechanism for precise and fast container handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If containers are stacked on top of each other in traditional storage systems, then space utilization is improved, but retrieving non-topmost containers becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidretrieval time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independent racks arranged in vertical levels, with each rack capable of holding multiple containers. This segmentation allows selective access to containers at different heights without moving the entire stack, enabling fast retrieval of any container regardless of its position in the vertical direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A robotic arm with gripper mechanism serves as an intermediary between the container and the retrieval system. The robotic arm can extend to grasp containers at various heights, move them horizontally, and lower them to the retrieval level, eliminating the need to move upper containers to access lower ones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional crane systems are used for container retrieval, then basic lifting capability is provided, but operation speed and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical crane system is replaced with a robotic arm equipped with sensors and control mechanisms. The robotic arm uses feedback from position sensors and vision systems to achieve precise positioning and gripping, enabling both high-speed operation and accurate container handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on position, grip force, and container alignment. This feedback loop enables the control system to adjust the arm's movements dynamically, ensuring both speed and precision in container retrieval and placement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12583672B2Multi-level container storage system and high-bay container storage

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PESMEL

AI summary

Disclosed is a multi-level container storage system including a storage module including racks for storing containers, and a high-bay container storage. At least two tracks arranged in a first distance from each other in the vertical direction. The system includes a container handling apparatus capable of moving at least one container in three directions. The container handling apparatus includes a stacker crane including a carrier support for a carrier device of the container handling apparatus. The carrier device includes a handling mechanism for gripping, lifting, lowering, and releasing at least one container and is arranged to be moved out of and into the stacker crane, and into and out of the storage module, respectively, along one of the tracks of a rack, wherein the handling mechanism is arranged to move at least one container at most the first distance.