Crash Barrier for Automated Storage System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems with robotic load handling devices face challenges in safely stopping malfunctioning or overrunning devices without causing damage to the main storage system, especially when operating in close proximity and high-speed environments.

Innovation Solution

A separate framework structure with tracks and barrier means is introduced adjacent to the storage system, where the barrier extends over the tracks to absorb the impact of overrunning load handling devices, directing forces into the barrier and separate framework rather than the main storage system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the grid and framework structure are built to fill the available space adjacent to walls and structural members, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of damage from malfunctioning load handling devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddamage risk from malfunctioning devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separate framework structure acts as an intermediary element positioned between the load handling devices and the main storage system. This intermediary framework includes barrier means that intercept malfunctioning devices before they can damage the main system, while still allowing the grid to be built adjacent to walls and structural members for optimal space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The framework is divided into two separate portions: the main framework supporting the storage system, and a separate framework structure containing the barrier means. This segmentation allows the barrier to be positioned independently to protect the main system without interfering with the space-efficient positioning of the main framework adjacent to walls and structural members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If barrier means are integrated directly into the main framework, then protection is provided, but repair and replacement of barrier components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from malfunctioning devicesVSAvoidbarrier replacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier means are incorporated into a separate framework structure that is distinct from the main framework supporting the storage system. This segmentation allows the barrier components to be accessed, removed, and replaced independently without requiring disassembly or damage to the main framework, significantly improving ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier means are extracted from the main framework and placed in a separate framework structure. This extraction allows the barrier to be maintained and replaced as a separate component, eliminating the complexity of repairing integrated barrier systems while maintaining full protective functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If load handling devices operate at high speed in close proximity, then productivity is improved, but the severity of impact from malfunctioning devices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidimpact force from malfunctioning devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier means are designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces from malfunctioning load handling devices before those forces can affect the main storage system. This beforehand cushioning allows load handling devices to operate at high speeds with close proximity spacing, as the barrier is already in place to mitigate the severity of potential impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier means convert the harmful impact force from malfunctioning devices into a beneficial protective function. By designed to absorb and redirect forces, the barrier transforms the potential damage from high-speed malfunctioning devices into a controlled energy dissipation mechanism that protects the main system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively prevents damage to the main storage system by safely stopping overrunning robotic load handling devices, absorbing impact forces within a replaceable separate framework structure.

Implementation Method 1

the forces generated by said impact being directed into the barrier and the separate portion and not being transmitted in to said storage system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

absorbing impact forces within a replaceable separate framework structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3426575B1Crash barrier for a storage system

Publication Date: 2025.02.12 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

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AI summary

A storage system having crash barriers is described. The crash barriers are mounted on separate structures, the structures being mounted adjacent the storage system. The separate structures further comprise tracks such that robotic load handling devices operating on the storage system may over run without causing damage to the main part of the storage system