Elevated Storage Grid Pillars for High-Bay Warehouse Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies due to limited height, leading to wasted space above 10 meters, increased congestion, and reduced storage capacity, particularly in urban warehouses with tall buildings.
Innovation Solution
Elevate storage grids using pillars that not only support the grid vertically but also accommodate storage containers, allowing for temporary storage or transit, and integrate with the automated system to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If automated storage and retrieval systems are limited to heights of 5-10 meters, then operational inefficiencies are avoided, but significant unutilised space remains at the top of warehouse buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by elevating the storage grid from the traditional ground level to an elevated position supported by pillars. This vertical relocation enables the system to utilize upper warehouse space (above 10 meters) while maintaining operational efficiency, as the elevated position allows robotic vehicles to access containers without requiring broad aisles on the ground floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillars in the patent serve multiple functions: they provide structural support to elevate the storage grid, create accessible floor space below for human and vehicular access, and can accommodate storage containers for temporary storage or transit. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling height optimization without sacrificing operational efficiency.
2Volume of moving object
If warehouse buildings are made taller to optimize space in inner cities, then storage capacity increases, but congestion and safety concerns increase at access stations
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the storage grid to an elevated position, the patent separates storage operations from ground-level access points. This vertical separation reduces congestion at access stations while allowing the warehouse to utilize greater height for storage capacity, as the elevated grid can be accessed by robotic vehicles without creating bottlenecks at ground-level entry points.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillars act as intermediaries that facilitate the connection between the elevated storage grid and the ground level. They provide structural support while creating controlled access points below, mediating between the need for high storage capacity and the need for manageable access station congestion.
3Volume of moving object
If storage grids are elevated to utilize upper space, then storage capacity increases, but structural support requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pillars are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously provide structural support for elevation, create accessible floor space below, and accommodate storage containers for temporary storage or transit. This universality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into single structural elements rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method of elevating a storage grid (100) of an automated storage and retrieval system by using one or more pillars (500). The pillar(s) is/are configured to vertically sustain the storage grid in an elevated position, and to accommodate one or more of the storage containers (112) adapted to be stored in the storage grid.