Overhead Container Transport With Stack Lifting for Direct Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems require complex mechanisms to retrieve containers from stacks, often necessitating digging into the stack to access desired containers, which complicates the handling process.
Innovation Solution
A storage system equipped with a lifting member that displaces stacks vertically, allowing the transport unit to engage containers without digging, using a drivable push chain and engaging member to lift and position containers efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transport unit directly retrieves containers from stacks without vertical displacement, then the handling process requires complex digging mechanisms, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member introduces vertical displacement to change the retrieval process from horizontal digging to vertical lifting. By moving the target container vertically above the top plane, the engaging member can access containers through simple vertical engagement rather than complex horizontal digging motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting member acts as an intermediary that facilitates container retrieval by vertically displacing the target container. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the engaging member's task from complex digging to simple vertical engagement, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If the transport unit uses digging mechanisms to access containers, then direct container access is possible, but the handling process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from horizontal digging motion to vertical lifting motion. The lifting member rapidly displaces the target container vertically above the top plane, enabling the engaging member to engage containers quickly without time-consuming horizontal digging operations, thus improving productivity while reducing handling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting member performs preliminary vertical displacement of the target container before the engaging member engages it. This preliminary action positions the container in an easily accessible location above the top plane, allowing the engaging member to quickly retrieve the container without time-consuming digging operations.
3Productivity
If the lifting member is always positioned above the stacks, then immediate lifting is possible, but the space requirement increases and storage density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member transitions from a static position above the stacks to a dynamic system that moves below the stacks when not in use and positions itself under the target stack when needed. This dynamic repositioning allows rapid response for lifting while maintaining high storage density by utilizing the space below the stacks during non-operational periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting member moves to a predetermined position below the target stack in advance before lifting is needed. This preliminary positioning enables immediate lifting operation when required while allowing the lifting member to occupy minimal space below the stacks during non-operational periods, thus maintaining high storage density.
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
This solution simplifies container handling by enabling the transport unit to engage and retrieve containers without digging into the stack, enhancing efficiency and storage density by allowing direct access to upper containers, thus improving the overall handling process.
Implementation Method 1
when a thrust or compressive force is applied to the chain in the linkwise direction, the links lock together so that the chain resists bending in one direction
Implementation Method 2
the links lock together so that the chain resists bending
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system (1) comprises a plurality of vertical stacks (2) of storage containers (3), wherein the stacks (2) are arranged in a horizontal first direction (X) and a horizontal second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), a transport unit (8) for transporting at least one container (3) to or from a selected stack (2) in the first and/or second direction (X, Y), and a container handling device (9, 10) for transferring at least an upper container (3) from a selected stack (2) to the transport unit (8) before the transport unit (8) including the container (3) is transported from the selected stack (2) and for transferring at least a container (3) from the transport unit (8) to the top of a selected stack (2) after the transport unit (8) including the container (3) is transported to the selected stack (2). The transport unit (8) is movable above the stacks (2). The container handling device comprises a lifting member (9) for displacing a selected stack (2) in vertical direction with respect to adjacent stacks (2), wherein the lifting member (9) is movable below the stacks (2) in a non-lifting condition thereof, and the container handling device comprises an engaging member (10) that is provided at the transport unit (8) and suitable for engaging at least an upper container (3) of a lifted stack so as to retrieve the container or for releasing an engaged container so as to place the container on top of a selected stack.