Delivery Vehicle Block Storage for Vertical Container Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing delivery vehicles have inefficiencies in storing and retrieving containers, as they often require re-stacking packages on the floor, which is time-consuming and difficult to secure against slipping, and lack effective space utilization.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a block storage system with a movable loading device and storage/retrieval station that allows for vertical stacking and retrieval of containers, enabling efficient space use and secure handling, with the loading device guided by traversing axes to prevent derailment and ensure access to all containers without needing to enter the transport space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If packages are stored on the floor of the cargo area, then space utilization is improved, but security against slipping deteriorates and time for restacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsecurity against slipping
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal floor storage to vertical rack-based storage. Containers are stacked vertically on racks throughout the cargo area, utilizing the vertical dimension to maximize space utilization while maintaining security through dedicated rack structures that prevent slipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack system serves multiple functions: it provides secure vertical stacking of containers, enables access to all containers including those at the bottom through the loading device, and maximizes space utilization throughout the cargo area. The system combines storage, security, and retrieval functions in a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If packages are stored on the floor of the cargo area, then space utilization is improved, but time for restacking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidtime for restacking
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses vertical stacking on racks instead of horizontal floor storage. The loading device can access containers at any vertical level, eliminating the need for manual restacking operations and significantly reducing the time required to retrieve containers from the bottom of stacks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device automatically retrieves containers from any position in the vertical stack without requiring manual intervention for restacking. The system performs its own container retrieval operations, eliminating the time-consuming manual restacking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a loading device is introduced for vertical container storage and retrieval, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer handling efficiencyVSAvoidloading device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can retrieve containers from any vertical level, move containers horizontally along traversing axes, and interface with the block storage system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device is divided into functional modules: a lifting unit for vertical movement, traversing axes for horizontal movement, and a container handling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Volume of moving object

If containers are stacked vertically in a block storage system, then space utilization is improved, but access to all containers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccess to containers
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The block storage system utilizes vertical stacking to maximize space utilization. The loading device accesses containers at any vertical level by moving vertically along the stacking space, ensuring that even containers at the bottom of tall stacks are easily accessible without requiring horizontal movement or manual retrieval.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the vertically stacked containers. It handles all the complex movements required to access containers at different levels, transforming the difficult task of retrieving containers from deep vertical stacks into a simple operation for the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3974251B1Delivery vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP3974251B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3974251B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP3974251B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

The present invention relates to a delivery vehicle (1) with at least one transport compartment (3) for receiving at least one container (10) and a loading device (17). The aim is to increase the efficiency of the delivery vehicle (1). For this purpose, a block storage area (5) is provided in the transport compartment (3) with at least one container stacking area (15) for receiving a stack of containers (13), a loading area (16), and at least one storage and/or retrieval station (6), wherein at least one movable loading device (17) with a lifting unit (19) for vertically storing and retrieving containers (10) into and from a container stacking area (15) is arranged in the loading area (16).