Distribution Dock Rail Interfaces for Direct Mobile Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems require products to be removed from storage containers before transportation, necessitating repackaging and unpacking, which is inefficient and costly, and existing modular systems still require significant infrastructure investment.
Innovation Solution
A distribution dock system that connects to mobile storage systems, allowing direct handling and redistribution of storage containers without the need for full warehouses, featuring a framework structure with rail systems and container handling vehicles for rapid connection and operation, including interfaces for seamless integration with mobile storage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If products are removed from storage containers before transportation in existing automated storage and retrieval systems, then products can be transported to other locations, but repackaging and unpacking is required which is inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the mobile storage system (containing multiple storage containers) directly inside the distribution dock's storage space. This allows the entire storage system to be transported as one unit without removing individual containers or products, eliminating repackaging operations while maintaining accessibility to individual containers through the rail system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rail system with container handling vehicles as an intermediary mechanism between the mobile storage system and the distribution dock. This intermediary allows storage containers to be moved and accessed without removing them from their parent storage system, enabling efficient product transportation while keeping containers intact.
2Reliability
If full warehouses are used for storage and distribution, then products can be stored and distributed, but infrastructure investment is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the traditional warehouse infrastructure into two distinct components: a permanent distribution dock with rail system and access station, and a mobile storage system that can be transported. This segmentation allows the storage capacity to be moved independently while keeping the distribution infrastructure minimal and fixed, reducing overall infrastructure investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the storage system dynamic by using a mobile storage system that can be transported to different locations on trailers or other transport means. This transforms the static warehouse model into a dynamic system where storage capacity can be relocated as needed, reducing the need for fixed infrastructure investments in multiple locations.
3Productivity
If traditional automated storage and retrieval systems are deployed, then products can be stored and retrieved, but setup time and infrastructure requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling the mobile storage system as a complete, transportable unit that includes framework, storage containers, and rail system components. This pre-assembly allows the system to be quickly deployed at the distribution dock without requiring time-consuming on-site construction or installation of individual components.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a distribution dock (1000) comprising: - a dock (400) for handling and providing access to storage containers (106) of a mobile storage system (701,702,703), the dock (400) comprising a framework structure (403) of upright members (404) and a first rail system (608) arranged on the upright members (404) of the framework structure (403) comprising a set of parallel rails (410,411) arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle (201,301) in a direction (X,Y) across the top of the framework structure (403), - at least one container handling vehicle (201,301) configured to operate on the first rail system (608), - at least one interface (609) comprising a set of parallel tracks configured to connect the first rail system (608) of the dock (400) to a second rail system (708) of a mobile storage system (701,702,703) such that the container handling vehicle (201,301) can retrieve storage containers (106) from the mobile storage system (701,702,703). Further, it is disclosed a distribution system (800) comprising such a distribution dock (1000) and at least one mobile storage system (701,702,703), including a method of operating a distribution system (800).