Container Support Layout for Stable Vertical Rack Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading containers onto storage racks without dislodging other containers, particularly when stacking and retrieving items in vertical configurations.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a storage rack with dividers and container supports that allow vehicles to load and unload containers without contacting adjacent containers, using rotatable container supports and centerers to align and stabilize containers during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated vehicles load and unload containers onto storage racks, then storage and retrieval efficiency is improved, but the risk of dislodging adjacent containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack is divided into multiple bays separated by dividers, and each bay contains multiple container supports spaced apart from each other. This segmentation isolates the loading/unloading operation to a specific localized area, preventing vibrations and movements from affecting adjacent containers stored in neighboring bays or on adjacent supports.
Solution Approach 2:
Container supports with rotatable engagement features act as intermediaries between the vehicle and the containers. These supports provide a controlled interface that allows containers to be loaded and unloaded while the rotatable mechanism absorbs misalignments and minimizes lateral forces that could dislodge adjacent containers.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked vertically to maximize space utilization, then storage density is improved, but the complexity of loading and unloading operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container supports incorporate rotatable engagement features that can dynamically adjust their orientation. During loading, the supports rotate to align with the vehicle's loading position, and during unloading, they rotate to align with the retrieval position. This dynamic adaptability simplifies operations for vertically stacked containers by automatically accommodating different loading angles and positions without requiring complex manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable container supports self-align with the approaching vehicle through their rotation capability, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or complex alignment procedures. The supports automatically adjust their orientation to receive containers from the vehicle and return to their vertical storage position after delivery, reducing operational complexity for multi-level stacking.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple container supports are placed close together to optimize rack space, then space utilization is improved, but the difficulty of loading containers without contacting adjacent containers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividers are positioned between groups of container supports to create visually and physically distinct zones. This segmentation allows supports to be placed close together for space efficiency while the dividers provide visual guides and physical barriers that prevent vehicles from contacting adjacent containers during loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable engagement features on container supports serve as intermediaries that absorb lateral movements and misalignments. When supports are placed close together, these rotatable features accommodate the reduced clearance by rotating to absorb lateral forces, allowing containers to be loaded without contacting adjacent supports or containers while maintaining tight spacing for optimal space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an automated storage and retrieval system including multiple containers (200), a storage rack having multiple container supports (151) for supporting the containers (200), multiple container-transport vehicles (300), and a control system. Generally, in operation, the control system controls the vehicles (300) to load containers (200) into and unload containers (200) from the storage rack from below.