Extraction unit for extracting palletized loads from a racking cell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deep racking systems and drive-in racking systems face challenges with accessibility of palletized loads, risk of damage to racking structures, risk of injury from lifting equipment, and high time consumption due to complex maneuverability and high frequency of equipment use.
Innovation Solution
An extraction unit with a sliding and rotating mechanism that allows for easy access to palletized loads, reducing the need for lifting equipment by enabling the carrier platform to move between storage and extended positions and rotate, thereby improving accessibility and reducing equipment traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If racking cell depth is increased to maximize storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility of palletized loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a movable carrier platform that can slide between a retracted position (for storage) and an extended position (for accessibility). This dynamic mechanism allows the racking system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between deep storage and easy access to palletized loads.
2Area of stationary object
If drive-in racking systems are used to eliminate horizontal beams, then space efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to racking structures and injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the extraction unit with carrier platform - that mediates between the lifting equipment and the palletized loads in deep racking cells. This intermediary provides controlled access to loads, reducing the need for frequent lifting equipment maneuvers and thereby reducing the risk of damage and injury while maintaining space efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If lifting equipment is used frequently to access palletized loads in deep racking cells, then accessibility is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the carrier platform in an extended position before load retrieval is needed. This allows the platform to be ready for immediate use, eliminating the time-consuming maneuvers that would otherwise be required to access palletized loads deep within the racking cell.
4Ease of manufacture
If Last-In-First-Out operation model is used in deep racking systems, then storage simplicity is improved, but product turnover capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic carrier platform enables flexible access to any position within the racking cell depth, allowing implementation of various inventory management strategies including First-In-First-Out (FIFO) for perishable goods. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining storage simplicity while enabling high product turnover through selective access to any stored load.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
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AI summary
An extraction unit 100, 300, 400, 500 for extracting palletized loads from a racking cell. The extraction unit comprises a carrier platform 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 in turn comprising a sliding mechanism 140, 340, 540, wherein the carrier platform is configured to move between a storage position and an extended position by means of the sliding mechanism. The extraction unit further comprises a rotation platform 110, 310, 410, 510 wherein the rotation platform and the carrier platform are connected by a central shaft and a rotation mechanism 130, 230, configure to be attached to the carrier platform. In the storage position, the carrier platform is positioned within the racking cell and, in the extended position, the carrier platform extends outwards from the racking cell. Moreover, the rotation mechanism is configured to enable rotation of the rotation platform relative to the carrier platform, about the central shaft, when the carrier platform is in the extended position.