Continuous Chain Bin Lift for Automated Storage Grids

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing AutoStore system faces inefficiencies during busy periods due to simultaneous operation of multiple robot vehicles waiting for bin lift devices, leading to reduced efficiency and increased system complexity when additional lifts are installed, which occupy valuable storage grid space.

Innovation Solution

A movable continuous chain with compartments running between the upper and lower locations of the storage grid, coupled with robot vehicles adapted for loading and unloading bins from the chain, and a control system to synchronize and optimize the movement of bins and vehicles, reduces the need for multiple bin lift devices and enhances space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple bin lift devices are installed to handle simultaneous operations, then system productivity is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bin lift device is segmented into multiple independent carriages that can operate simultaneously on the same vertical track. Each carriage functions as an independent lifting unit, enabling parallel bin transport operations without requiring multiple separate lift devices. This segmentation maintains high productivity while avoiding the complexity and space occupation of multiple complete lift systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from horizontal expansion (multiple lift devices occupying different column spaces) to vertical utilization (multiple carriages stacked on the same vertical track). This dimensional change allows simultaneous operations in the vertical dimension while preserving horizontal storage space, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple bin lift devices are installed to handle simultaneous operations, then system productivity is improved, but available storage grid space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidstorage grid space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bin lift device is segmented into multiple independent carriages that can operate simultaneously on the same vertical track. Each carriage functions as an independent lifting unit, enabling parallel bin transport operations without requiring multiple separate lift devices. This segmentation maintains high productivity while avoiding the complexity and space occupation of multiple complete lift systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from horizontal expansion (multiple lift devices occupying different column spaces) to vertical utilization (multiple carriages stacked on the same vertical track). This dimensional change allows simultaneous operations in the vertical dimension while preserving horizontal storage space, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If robot vehicles wait near the lift device during busy periods, then system coordination is maintained, but productivity is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem coordinationVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The bin lift device is segmented into multiple independent carriages that can operate simultaneously on the same vertical track. Each carriage functions as an independent lifting unit, enabling parallel bin transport operations without requiring multiple separate lift devices. This segmentation maintains high productivity while avoiding the complexity and space occupation of multiple complete lift systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple carriages operating in parallel eliminate idle waiting time for robot vehicles. While one carriage is loading or unloading bins, other carriages can simultaneously perform their operations, ensuring continuous useful action throughout the system. This prevents robot vehicles from waiting near the lift device, maintaining both coordination and high productivity during busy periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3402731B1A storage system for storing and transporting bins

Publication Date: 2020.01.15 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

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AI summary

Method and system for storing and transporting a plurality of storage bins (4) to and from an upper (14) and a lower (16) location of a three dimensional storage grid, which is constructed by columns interconnected by top rails. The system comprises a movable continuous chain (12) running from the upper (14) location to the lower (16) location of said storage grid. The chain (12) comprises compartments (18) fitted for holding the bins (4). Robot vehicles (2) are running on the upper (14) location of the storage grid. These are adapted for loading and unloading bins (4) from the compartments (18) in the chain (12). A control system is adapted for controlling loading and unloading of the bins (4) from the compartments (18) in the chain (12).