Storage Container Weight Distribution for Overload-Limited ASRS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems are limited by the maximum weight of storage containers and the number of containers that can be stacked, which restricts the utilization of available space and increases the need for costly modifications to handle heavier loads.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a weight estimation or measurement device and a control system that determines optimal storage positions based on weight thresholds and available space, allowing for the stacking of containers with weights exceeding the traditional limits without increasing costs or requiring extensive modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the maximum weight of storage containers is increased to utilize available space, then space utilization is improved, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity of the framework must be increased, leading to costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by distributing containers of different weights to specific storage columns based on their load-bearing capacity. The control system identifies which columns can accommodate heavier containers and assigns them accordingly, rather than uniformly increasing the strength of the entire framework. This allows the system to handle heavier loads in specific locations without reinforcing the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of container weight distribution by using a control system that monitors and adjusts which containers are placed in which columns based on weight thresholds and available capacity. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maximize space utilization with heavier containers while maintaining safety within the existing framework's load-bearing limits.
2Quantity of substance
If more containers are stacked in each column to increase storage capacity, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of overloading individual containers and the framework increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback through a control system that monitors the weight of containers and the current storage state of each column. Before placing a container, the system calculates whether the resulting total weight exceeds the maximum load-bearing capacity. This feedback mechanism ensures that containers are only stacked in configurations that maintain safety margins, preventing overloading while maximizing storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and verifying the total weight of containers to be stacked before actually placing them in the storage columns. The control system determines the optimal storage position in advance, ensuring that the stack will not exceed load-bearing limits. This preliminary verification prevents overloading issues before they occur.
3Strength
If the framework structure is reinforced to handle heavier containers, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the system complexity and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using an automated control system that manages the distribution of containers based on weight and capacity constraints. Rather than physically reinforcing the framework to handle heavier loads, the system intelligently assigns containers to appropriate columns, allowing the existing structure to serve its purpose effectively through smart management rather than physical modification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for storing containers (6f, 106) in an automated storage and retrieval system (1). The method comprises the following steps: defining a first storage area (SA1), wherein the first storage area (SA1) comprises specific storage columns (105) within a framework structure (100); - setting a first maximum weight threshold (Wmax1) for the first storage area (SA1); determining a total weight (Wtot1) for all storage containers (106) stored in the first storage area (SA1); determining a weight (Wf) for a further storage container (6f) which is to be stored within the framework structure (100). Then, the method comprises the step of determining a storage position (P) for the further storage container (6f) to be within the first storage area (SA1) if the sum of the total weight (Wtot1) and the weight (Wf) of the further storage container (6f) is below the first maximum weight threshold (Wmax1), or determining the storage position (P) for the further storage container (6f) to be outside of the first storage area (SA1) if the sum of the total weight (Wtot1) and the weight (Wf) of the further storage container (6f) is above the first maximum weight threshold (Wmax1).