Double Spiral Article Storage Device for Compact Logistics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current article storage solutions, such as multi-layer shuttle stereoscopic warehouses and matrix temporary storage systems, are either costly and complex or inefficient and occupy large areas, failing to effectively implement temporary storage and sorting functions, especially for moderate article transport volumes.

Innovation Solution

A double spiral article storage device comprising a first and second conveying line that spirally ascend around a temporary storage passage, allowing for efficient transfer and storage of articles, reducing occupied area and investment costs by increasing storage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a multi-layer shuttle stereoscopic warehouse or Miniload is used to implement temporary storage and sorting functions, then the storage capacity and sorting capability are improved, but the device complexity and investment cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the temporary storage passage inside the spiral structure formed by the conveying lines. The storage passage is nested within the spatial envelope created by the ascending and descending conveying paths, allowing storage functionality to be integrated within the transport structure itself rather than requiring separate storage modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the storage function with the conveying function by integrating the temporary storage passage directly into the spiral conveying system. Articles are conveyed along the spiral path and can be temporarily stored at designated positions along this path, combining what would traditionally be separate storage and transport systems into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a matrix temporary storage system is used for moderate article transport volumes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the occupied area increases and sorting capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidoccupied area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional matrix layout to a three-dimensional spiral configuration. The conveying lines ascend and descend in a vertical spiral around the central storage passage, utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve compact space occupation while maintaining efficient article flow and sorting capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a spiral (curved) configuration for the conveying lines instead of straight linear paths. The ascending and descending lines form a spiral structure around the central storage passage, allowing articles to be conveyed through curved paths that efficiently utilize vertical space and reduce the horizontal footprint of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional storage systems are used, then the implementation is simple, but the storage capacity per unit area is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidstorage capacity per unit area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes vertical space by implementing a three-dimensional spiral configuration where conveying lines ascend and descend around a central storage passage. This vertical utilization of space significantly increases storage capacity per unit area compared to traditional horizontal storage arrangements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The temporary storage passage is nested within the spiral structure formed by the conveying lines, maximizing the use of available space. This nested configuration allows the storage function to be integrated within the transport structure, increasing storage density without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11338999B2Article storage device, palletizing system and article storage method
Publication Date: 2022.05.24 BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHITECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US11338999B2 patent drawing
  • US11338999B2 patent drawing
  • US11338999B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An article storage device includes a first conveying line, a second conveying line, and a temporary storage passage, wherein the first conveying line and the second conveying line ascend spirally around the temporary storage passage to form a double spiral structure, and two ends of the temporary storage passage respectively are in communication with the first conveying line and the second conveying line, the first conveying line conveys the article to the temporary storage passage, the temporary storage passage receives the article from the first conveying line and conveys the article to the second conveying line, and the second conveying line receives the article from the temporary storage passage and conveys the article.