Dual Lift Column for Guided Carriage Storage Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems using automatically guided trolleys are costly due to the need for motorized gears and uprights, and face issues with meshing difficulties and space inefficiency, leading to high installation and operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage system with a vertical movement column using independent mobile lifting means to move trolleys, eliminating the need for gears and reducing the number of uprights, allowing simultaneous movement of multiple trolleys without obstructing each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical conveyors are used for moving articles between locations, then articles can be transported, but mechanical wear and tear occurs and requires maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conveyors with a magnetic field-based transport system. Articles with magnetic tags are moved along tracks using electromagnetic forces without physical contact between moving parts, eliminating mechanical wear and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable transport capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic fields (analogous to pneumatic/hydraulic fluid transmission) to transmit force through space without mechanical contact. The magnetic field acts as the transmission medium, allowing articles to be propelled and positioned along the track without physical conveyors
2Productivity
If automated retrieval systems are implemented, then article retrieval speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic transport system serves multiple functions: it transports articles to storage locations, retrieves articles from storage, and positions articles precisely at pickup points. This multi-functional approach achieves fast retrieval without requiring separate complex mechanical retrieval mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
Articles equipped with magnetic tags self-guide along the track using magnetic field gradients. The system automatically positions articles at correct locations without requiring complex robotic manipulation or manual intervention, reducing system complexity while maintaining high productivity
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
The system reduces construction complexity and cost, enhances movement rate, and optimizes space usage, achieving efficient and cost-effective trolley movement within a standardized racking system.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic tag on the article detects a change in a magnetic field environment when the article is in proximity to a pickup or dropoff location
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automated article storage system comprising: • - automatically guided carriages having first hooking means, and • - a rack comprising a plurality of storage levels and a vertically moving column, and said vertically moving column comprising: • - first movable lifting means (31, 32, 33) configured to vertically move a first automatically guided carriage (4A, 4B), and • - second movable lifting means (31, 32, 33), adjacent to the first lifting means (31, 32, 33), configured to vertically move a second automatically guided carriage (4A, 4B), independently of the movement of the first automatically guided carriage (4A, 4B), the first lifting means (31, 32, 33) and/or the second lifting means (31, 32, 33) comprise second hooking means configured to co-operate with the first hooking means such that the hooks are engaged for raising or lowering purposes.