Storage system with multiple robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooled storage systems face thermal losses and exposure to ambient environments when retrieving bins, as the thermally insulated covers must be removed, leading to inefficiencies in maintaining controlled temperatures and potentially contaminating sealed storage columns.
Innovation Solution
A cooled storage system with a grid structure and remotely operated vehicles that form a 'train' to move in tandem, allowing the vehicles to lift and replace insulated covers and bins sequentially, minimizing exposure to ambient conditions and maintaining thermal insulation by keeping the stack covered during retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermally insulated cover is removed to retrieve bins from the storage cell, then the bin can be accessed and removed, but the storage cell is exposed to ambient temperature causing thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
A vehicle is positioned in advance adjacent to the storage cell before bin retrieval begins. This vehicle serves as a temporary thermal barrier, preventing ambient air from contacting the cold storage cell interior while bins are being removed through the open cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the ambient environment and the cooled storage cell. By positioning the vehicle adjacent to the open cell, it mediates the thermal interaction, blocking heat transfer from the warm ambient air to the cold cell interior during the bin retrieval operation.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is removed and the vehicle moves to deposit it temporarily, then the cover can be set aside, but time is lost and the cell remains exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The functions of bin retrieval and cover management are merged into a single coordinated operation. The vehicle that retrieves bins also serves to hold and manage the cover, eliminating the need for separate vehicle trips to deposit and retrieve the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The remotely operated vehicle performs multiple functions: it retrieves bins from the storage cell, manages the thermally insulated cover by holding it adjacent to the cell, and can transport bins to delivery stations. This multi-functionality eliminates unnecessary trip steps and reduces overall retrieval time.
3Ease of operation
If bins are retrieved sequentially from lower positions in the stack, then the target bin can be accessed, but non-target bins must be moved and replaced multiple times increasing exposure time
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle positions itself in advance adjacent to the storage cell and holds the cover in place before bin retrieval begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a stable thermal barrier configuration that remains in effect throughout the entire bin retrieval process, regardless of how many bins need to be moved.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle maintains continuous presence adjacent to the storage cell throughout the bin retrieval operation, continuously holding the cover open while bins are removed. This eliminates interruptions where the cell might be left exposed, ensuring continuous thermal protection during the entire sequence of bin movements and replacements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces thermal losses and maintains a controlled environment by ensuring the storage cell is mostly covered during bin retrieval and replacement, enhancing the efficiency of cooled storage systems and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
thermally insulated covers separating the storage cells from the top level of the grid structure
Implementation Method 2
there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure and the remotely operated vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A cooled storage system comprises a grid structure of storage cells, where each cell is arranged to accommodate a vertical stack of storage bins and having a top level, a plurality of remotely operated vehicles arranged to move at the top level of the grid structure and receive a bin from a storage cell at the top level of the grid structure, where there is provided thermal insulation between at least a section of the grid structure and the remotely operated vehicle, and said section of the grid structure has a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the remotely operated vehicle. The vehicles, upon receiving a signal to retrieve a bin, are commanded to form a train of vehicles that moves sequentially over a target stack, thereby essentially covering the open stack during the retrieval operation in order to reduce thermal losses during the retrieval operation.