An automated storage and retrieval system, a container transfer apparatus and a method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face issues with temperature exposure and atmosphere changes, leading to condensation and fire risk, and require complex and costly solutions for handling containers in different environments.

Innovation Solution

An automated storage and retrieval system with a container transfer apparatus that includes a container transfer housing and doors to maintain temperature and atmosphere separation, allowing seamless transfer of containers between spaces with different conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If containers are transferred between spaces with different temperatures and atmospheres using existing systems, then container handling is enabled, but thermal and gaseous leakage occurs causing condensation and fire risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal and gaseous leakageVSAvoidcondensation and fire risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into multiple independently controllable spaces (first space with first temperature and first atmosphere, second space with second temperature and second atmosphere) separated by walls with openings. Each space can maintain its own environmental conditions, preventing thermal and gaseous leakage that would cause condensation and fire hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A container transfer housing acts as an intermediary structure positioned at the opening between the two spaces. This housing provides a controlled transfer zone where containers can move between different environmental conditions without causing direct exposure and leakage, thereby preventing condensation and fire risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If container handling vehicles are exposed to different environments during transfer, then container movement between spaces is enabled, but vehicle exposure to harmful environmental changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The container transfer housing serves as a protective intermediary that containers and handling vehicles pass through during transfer operations. This housing structure shields the vehicles from direct exposure to harmful environmental changes when moving between spaces with different temperatures and atmospheres.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The container transfer housing creates a controlled envelope or shell structure at the interface between two different environments. This flexible boundary allows container passage while maintaining environmental separation, protecting handling vehicles from harmful exposure during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If complex solutions are implemented to handle containers in different environments, then environmental control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental controlVSAvoidsystem restructuring

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses simple spatial segmentation into multiple controlled spaces separated by walls with openings. This straightforward division allows independent environmental control in each space without requiring complex integrated systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining effective environmental control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The container transfer housing provides a simple intermediary structure at the interface between spaces. Rather than implementing complex environmental control mechanisms throughout the entire system, this localized housing structure enables effective environmental separation and control with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Minimizes thermal and gaseous leakage, reducing exposure of container handling vehicles to different environments and maintaining optimal conditions, while simplifying system restructuring.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

container transfer apparatus that includes a container transfer housing and doors to maintain temperature and atmosphere separation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20260070735A1An automated storage and retrieval system, a container transfer apparatus and a method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a first space, a second space, a dividing wall, a storage volume to store storage containers in vertical stacks and a horizontal rail system arranged above where the storage containers would be stored. The invention also concerns a container transfer housing configured to allow transfer of the storage containers between the first space and the second space and a method using such a container transfer housing.