Dual-Frame Lifting Device for Robotic Container Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robotic container-handling vehicles in automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently lifting and handling multi-container frames and storage containers, requiring improved design to enhance operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A lifting device comprising a first lifting frame configured to engage a multi-container frame and a second lifting frame to engage a storage container, allowing robots to lift both types of structures, with mechanisms like latches and grippers that facilitate efficient engagement and lifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a robotic container-handling vehicle uses a lifting device to handle both multi-container frames and storage containers, then the versatility and operational efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle both multi-container frames and storage containersVSAvoidcomplexity of lifting device with multiple frames and engagement mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting device is designed with a first lifting frame configured to engage multi-container frames and a second lifting frame configured to engage storage containers, allowing a single robotic vehicle to perform multiple handling operations. This multi-functional design enables one device to replace what would traditionally require separate specialized devices, resolving the contradiction by achieving versatility through integrated universal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting device is divided into distinct functional components: a first lifting frame for engaging multi-container frames and a second lifting frame for engaging storage containers. This segmentation allows each frame to be optimized for its specific function while being part of an integrated system, managing complexity through modular functional division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the lifting device uses engagement mechanisms like latches and grippers to securely hold containers, then the reliability of container handling is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of container engagement and liftingVSAvoidcomplexity of engagement mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanisms are designed to automatically engage with containers through self-aligning features. The latches and grippers are configured to work autonomously once positioned near the container, reducing the need for complex control systems and manual intervention while maintaining reliable engagement. This self-service capability improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4624373A1A lifting device

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a lifting device for lifting a multi-container frame and for lifting a storage container arranged in an interior space of the multi-container frame, the multi-container frames configured to be stored in storage columns of an automated storage and retrieval system, the multi-container frames configured to accommodate a plurality of storage containers stored in an interior space of each multi-container frame, the lifting device comprising: a first lifting frame configured to engage with a multi-container frame; and a second lifting frame configured to engage with a storage container arranged within a multi-container frame.