Storage System Crosswise Conveyor Control for Opposite-Side Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems are unable to fully utilize the available space by leaving empty areas when the last row of storage units is placed next to the crosswise conveyor, due to the handling mechanism's inability to move beyond its initial range.
Innovation Solution
A control system is implemented to manage the operation of the handling mechanism, allowing it to position storage units on opposite sides of the crosswise conveyor in a specified order, ensuring even distribution and filling of storage areas on both sides of the conveyor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handling mechanism is positioned to load storage units from one side of the crosswise conveyor, then the loading operation is simple and straightforward, but empty areas remain on the opposite side that cannot be utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The handling mechanism is made movable along the crosswise conveyor through a rail system, allowing it to dynamically reposition between opposite sides of the conveyor. This transforms a static single-sided loading system into a dynamic multi-position system, enabling the mechanism to serve both sides of the conveyor and eliminate dead zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling mechanism is designed to perform loading operations on both sides of the crosswise conveyor by moving along the rail. This multi-functional capability allows a single mechanism to serve multiple locations, maximizing storage utilization without requiring separate handling mechanisms for each side.
2Device complexity
If the handling mechanism extends only to areas right next to the crosswise conveyor, then the device structure is simple and compact, but the storage space utilization is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The handling mechanism is separated into two independent components: a movable handling unit that travels along the rail, and a fixed rail structure that provides the pathway. This segmentation allows the handling mechanism to extend its reach without permanently occupying space across the entire conveyor width, maintaining structural simplicity while expanding functional coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
A rail system is introduced as an intermediary element that enables the handling mechanism to move between opposite sides of the crosswise conveyor. The rail acts as a mediator, providing the necessary infrastructure for extended reach without requiring the handling mechanism itself to be permanently extended or complexly structured.
3Productivity
If storage units are loaded only from one side of the crosswise conveyor, then the loading process is straightforward, but the storage system cannot achieve full capacity utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The handling mechanism transitions from a static single-position design to a dynamic multi-position system that can move along the rail to serve both sides of the crosswise conveyor. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high loading efficiency while simultaneously accessing storage spaces on both sides, thereby achieving full capacity utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling mechanism gains movement capability in a new dimension along the crosswise conveyor's length, rather than being confined to a fixed position. This dimensional expansion allows the mechanism to access storage units on both sides of the conveyor, transforming a one-sided loading system into a two-sided operational system without compromising loading efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A storage system (10) for loading and unloading storage units (20) stored in successive rows (21) positioned in a storage (1). The storage system (10) comprises at least one crosswise conveyor (11) movable perpendicular to its own longitudinal direction. In response to a free area for a single complete row (21) of storage units (20) being available right next to the crosswise conveyor (11) on opposite sides of the crosswise conveyor (11) in the longitudinal direction thereof, a control system (40) is configured to control the operation of a handling mechanism (30) on the crosswise conveyor (11) to position the storage units (20) on opposite sides of the crosswise conveyor (11) either in one row (21) on one side of the crosswise conveyor (11) at a time, or in a specified order to opposite positions in the rows (21) on opposite sides of the crosswise conveyor (11) to increase a degree of filling of the storage (1).