Docking Assembly Alignment for Container Transfer Grids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently transferring large numbers of storage containers between different locations, particularly when variable demand requires stock redistribution across multiple fulfillment centers.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval system with a grid-based workspace, load handling devices, and a terminal equipped with a docking assembly that includes alignment devices and a friction reducing surface to accurately align and support transport assemblies, allowing seamless transfer of containers between the workspace and a transport assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transport assembly is introduced to transfer containers between locations, then the efficiency of stock redistribution is improved, but the alignment precision between the transport assembly and the grid-based workspace deteriorates due to movement and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The docking assembly performs preliminary alignment actions before the transport assembly needs to be fully positioned. The alignment devices pre-adjust the transport assembly's position and orientation, ensuring that when the transport assembly engages with the grid-based workspace, the alignment is already optimized, thus maintaining precision while enabling efficient transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The docking assembly acts as an intermediary between the transport assembly and the grid-based workspace. It includes alignment devices that mediate the connection process, ensuring precise alignment without requiring the transport assembly itself to have built-in alignment mechanisms, thus separating the movement function from the alignment function
2Ease of operation
If the transport assembly is designed for easy movement, then the frictional resistance is reduced, but the stability and positioning accuracy of the transport assembly within the terminal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The friction-reducing surface is extracted as a separate component of the docking assembly rather than being integrated into the transport assembly. This allows the transport assembly to maintain its movement capabilities while the docking assembly provides the low-friction interface, separating the movement facilitation function from the positioning function
Solution Approach 2:
The friction-reducing surface replaces traditional mechanical friction-based movement control with a low-friction interface. This substitution enables easier movement while the alignment devices provide the necessary positioning control, replacing reliance on friction for both movement and positioning with a differentiated system
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
Ensures precise alignment and easy movement of transport assemblies, enabling efficient transfer of containers while maintaining system accuracy and reducing frictional resistance, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a friction reducing surface that is arranged to support the transport assembly within the terminal
Implementation Method 2
The docking assembly comprises one or more alignment devices that are arranged to align the transport assembly relative to the grid above the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval system is disclosed, comprising: a grid above a workspace; a plurality of containers located in stacks within the workspace; a plurality of load handling devices arranged to move along the grid and configured to raise and lower the containers to and from the stacks located within the workspace; a terminal disposed within the workspace, the terminal being arranged to receive a transport assembly that is configured to enable one or more of the stacks of containers to be transported away from the workspace; wherein the terminal comprises a docking assembly that is arranged to control the position of the transport assembly within the terminal; wherein the docking assembly comprises one or more alignment devices that are arranged to align the transport assembly relative to the grid above the terminal and a friction reducing surface that is arranged to support the transport assembly within the terminal.