Continuous Conveyor Storage System for High Rack Warehouses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse systems face challenges in achieving rapid and efficient storage and retrieval of goods, particularly in high rack warehouses, where complex designs and multiple interacting units complicate the process, making it difficult to maintain a cost-effective and economically viable operation for order picking.
Innovation Solution
A storage system featuring a continuous conveyor forming a closed loop that traverses storage levels, combined with handling devices and transfer units, allows for simplified storage and retrieval, enabling rapid and targeted access to goods, and optimizing the sequence for subsequent order picking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex designs with multiple interacting units are used in high rack warehouses, then storage capacity and retrieval capability are improved, but operational complexity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interacting units into a unified automated system where a single controller coordinates the conveyor, lifting mechanisms, and storage racks. This merging reduces operational complexity while maintaining high productivity through integrated automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system serves multiple functions: transporting goods horizontally, lifting them vertically to storage levels, and distributing them to various storage locations. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Speed
If automated conveying means are used for rapid storage and retrieval, then operational speed is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor operates continuously in a closed loop, maintaining constant motion to transport goods rapidly between storage locations. This continuous operation achieves high speed while the automated control system manages complexity through standardized protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces automated control systems and intermediate transfer mechanisms that mediate between the conveyor and storage racks, enabling rapid operation while simplifying the interface between different system components.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple storage levels are utilized to increase capacity, then storage density is improved, but access complexity and retrieval time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical dimension by implementing multiple storage levels accessible through automated lifting mechanisms. This three-dimensional storage arrangement increases capacity while the automated system manages access complexity through coordinated vertical and horizontal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent levels and zones, each accessible through the automated conveyor network. This segmentation allows parallel operations at different levels, increasing capacity while the centralized control system manages access complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system includes a plurality of storage areas for receiving stored goods, the storage areas being situated in at least one storage level and being accessible by an associated handling device to store stored goods at the storage areas or retrieve them from these storage areas. A conveyor is provided which is designed as a continuous conveyor and is led on a storage level through the arrangement of the storage areas.