Container Tilt Access Station for Compact ASRS Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access stations in automated storage and retrieval systems are bulky, complex, and require numerous moving components, limiting the ability to arrange adjacent picking zones closely and providing an ergonomic picking position.
Innovation Solution
An access station with a ramp and guiding frame system that includes an inner carriage with a pivotable storage container support, allowing for tilting and movement between receiving and picking positions, minimizing the width required and reducing the number of moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional access stations are used, then storage containers can be presented to pickers, but the access stations become bulky and complex with numerous moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The access station is divided into two carriages: an inner carriage that moves along the guiding frame to present containers, and an outer carriage that supports the inner carriage and provides structural stability. This segmentation allows each carriage to have simplified functionality, reducing overall complexity while maintaining ergonomic picking positions through the inner carriage's movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner carriage is designed to be movable along the guiding frame, transforming the static access station structure into a dynamic system. This mobility enables the access station to adapt to different container positions and present them ergonomically to pickers without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby reducing the number of moving components needed.
2Ease of operation
If traditional access stations are used, then storage containers can be presented to pickers, but the access stations require large width and cannot be arranged closely
Solution Approach 1:
The inner carriage is nested within the outer carriage structure, allowing the inner carriage to move along the guiding frame while remaining supported by the outer carriage. This nesting arrangement enables compact positioning of the picking mechanism, reducing the overall width of the access station and allowing multiple stations to be arranged closely together while maintaining functional picking positions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional access stations are used, then storage containers can be presented to pickers, but the access stations have complex structures requiring maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The complex presentation function is extracted and concentrated into the inner carriage, which is a separate, movable unit. By isolating the container presentation mechanism in the inner carriage, the outer carriage can be simplified for structural support only. This extraction reduces maintenance needs by limiting complex components to a smaller, more manageable subsystem that can be independently serviced.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables compact, simplified access stations with reduced distance between adjacent zones and improved ergonomics for picking, reducing complexity and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
the follower and the ramp are configured to interact to move the inner carriage into the picking state in response to a movement of the inner carriage from the receiving position to the picking position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an access station for an automated storage and retrieval system and a method for operating such an access station. The access station comprises an inner carriage movable along a guiding frame, wherein a ramp is arranged to tilt a container support of the inner carriage into a picking position.