Container Handling Vehicle Coupler for Dual-Container Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current consolidation systems require large external areas for storing consolidated delivery containers, which is inefficient and often not available due to space constraints in automated storage and retrieval systems.
Innovation Solution
A container handling vehicle equipped with a coupler that can releasably couple to both storage and delivery containers, allowing for efficient transfer and storage within the system without the need for external space, using a coupler frame with grippers and a lifting mechanism to manage container movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If consolidation systems use external areas for storing consolidated delivery containers, then storage capacity is increased, but space efficiency and operational efficiency deteriorate due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the consolidation function with the storage function by integrating the coupler mechanism directly into the automated storage and retrieval system. The coupler enables containers to be consolidated and stored within the same system structure, eliminating the need for separate external consolidation areas and thereby improving space efficiency while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables consolidation of containers, facilitates storage within the system, and allows for efficient retrieval. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external consolidation areas, directly addressing the contradiction between storage capacity and operational efficiency
2Productivity
If a coupler mechanism is integrated into the automated storage and retrieval system, then space efficiency and handling efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler acts as an intermediary mechanism that simplifies the overall system operation. By providing a dedicated coupling interface between containers and the storage system, it enables efficient handling and consolidation operations without requiring complex external infrastructure, thus improving handling efficiency while keeping the added complexity manageable and localized
3Quantity of substance
If external areas are used for container consolidation, then storage capacity is increased, but land use efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a nested structure where the coupler mechanism and consolidation functions are integrated within the existing storage system framework. Containers can be consolidated and stored within the same vertical and horizontal space, effectively nesting multiple functions within a compact footprint, thereby increasing storage capacity without requiring additional external land area
Data Source
AI summary
A container handling vehicle is fitted with a coupler for coupling to a delivery container and/or to a storage container. The coupler includes a coupler frame, a delivery container gripper, and a storage container gripper. The delivery container gripper is provided on the coupler frame and protrudes from a lower face of the coupler frame. The delivery container gripper is configured to enable releasable coupling to corresponding coupling structure of a delivery container. The storage container gripper is provided on the coupler frame and protrudes from the lower face of the coupler frame. The storage container gripper is configured to enable releasable coupling to corresponding coupling structures of a storage container having a size allowing the delivery container to be held therein. The delivery container gripper includes two gripper paddles for gripping the delivery container. Each gripper paddle is pivoted from a pivot axis spaced equally and oppositely from a vertical centre plane oriented perpendicular to the lower face of the coupler frame. Each of the gripper paddles includes a protrusion located below the lower face of the coupler frame for insertion into a corresponding coupling structure of the delivery container.