Container Vehicle Charging Interface With Vertical Wheel Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges with charging systems due to high precision requirements and limited practical charging current, which can lead to wear and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A charging system with separated charge-receiving and charge-providing elements, where the container vehicle's wheels are displaceable to align contact surfaces vertically, allowing for increased tolerance and robust contact, enabling higher charging capacity without the limitations of traditional plug/socket interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional plug/socket interface is used for charging, then connection is established, but charging current is limited and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is segmented into multiple separate charge-receiving elements and charge-providing elements instead of using a single plug/socket connection. This segmentation allows for distributed contact surfaces that can handle higher currents while reducing wear on individual contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging connection transitions from a horizontal plug/socket interface to a vertical contact surface interface. The charge-providing elements are positioned above the charge-receiving elements, allowing gravitational force to assist in maintaining contact while enabling larger contact areas for higher current transmission.
2Reliability
If high precision alignment is required for charging connection, then connection reliability improves, but system complexity and tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging interface is reoriented from horizontal to vertical alignment. The first set of wheels is displaceable in the vertical direction to bring the charge-receiving elements into contact with the charge-providing elements. This vertical arrangement utilizes gravity to maintain contact pressure and allows for larger tolerance ranges in positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The first set of wheels is made displaceable in the vertical direction, allowing dynamic adjustment of the vehicle body position. This enables the charge-receiving elements to automatically align with the charge-providing elements through vertical movement, reducing the need for high precision horizontal alignment while maintaining reliable electrical contact.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a storage system comprising at least one container vehicle (6′,300′,400), a horizontal rail grid (108,5) and a charging system for charging a rechargeable power source (20) of the container vehicle, wherein the container vehicle comprises a first set of wheels (32a) and a second set of wheels (32b) for moving the container vehicle upon the rail grid; the first set of wheels (32a) is displaceable in a vertical direction between a first position, wherein the first set of wheels may move the container vehicle in a first direction (X), a second position, wherein the first and the second set of wheels are in contact with the rail grid, and a third position wherein the second set of wheels may move the container vehicle in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the first direction; the charging system comprises two separated charge-receiving elements (21a,21b) arranged on the container vehicle and connected to the power source (20), and a charging station (22) comprising two separated charge-providing elements (23a,23b) connected to a power source charger (24); and each of the charge-receiving elements (21) comprises a first contact surface (25), and each of the charge-providing elements (23a,23b) comprises a second contact surface (26); wherein the first contact surfaces are arranged to be contactable with the corresponding second contact surfaces when the container vehicle is positioned above the charge-providing elements.