Container Handling Vehicle With Multi-Container Stack Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling vehicles can only handle and transport a single storage container in each operation, limiting the efficiency of retrieval and storage operations in automated storage and retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
A container handling vehicle with a base supporting multiple stacked storage containers and a lifting device that can move horizontally between positions above these sections, allowing simultaneous handling and transport of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a container handling vehicle handles only one storage container at a time, then the vehicle structure remains simple, but the productivity of the storage and retrieval system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle's base is divided into multiple storage sections (first storage section, second storage section, etc.), allowing the vehicle to carry multiple containers simultaneously. Each storage section is a distinct segment that can independently support a container, enabling parallel handling operations without increasing overall vehicle complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed to be horizontally moveable between different storage sections, allowing it to perform multiple functions: lifting containers from different positions, placing containers in different storage sections, and performing digging operations. This single multi-functional device replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate handling mechanisms
2Loss of time
If the vehicle transports multiple stacked containers simultaneously, then the retrieval operation time is reduced, but the vehicle requires additional horizontal movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed with horizontal movability, transitioning from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position across different storage sections. This dynamic capability allows the same device to serve multiple storage sections without requiring separate lifting mechanisms for each section, reducing overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-container handling
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting device is fixed in one position, then the vehicle structure is simpler, but the vehicle cannot perform digging or reordering operations
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device incorporates horizontal movability along the base, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one that can reach different storage sections. This dynamic positioning capability enables versatile operations including digging (removing containers from intermediate positions in a stack), reordering, and placement in various locations, all with a single lifting device rather than requiring multiple fixed devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a container handling vehicle (2) for moving in two perpendicular horizontal directions on a rail system, the rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails, the container handling vehicle comprising a vehicle frame (4), a base (6), an internal space (5) defined by the vehicle frame (4) and the base (6), the base (6) providing at least one storage section upon which at least two storage containers stacked on top of each other may be supported, a lifting device comprising a vertically moveable lifting frame (7) for releasably connecting to a storage container and an opening (8) allowing vertical passage of the lifting frame (7) between the internal space (5) and a position below the base; wherein the lifting device is configured to be horizontally moveable between a position above the opening (8) and a position above the at least one storage section.