Fatigue-Resistant Rover Rails for Automated Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage and retrieval systems neglect fatigue considerations, particularly from automation loads, and lack resilience during seismic events, leading to potential system failure and disruption.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates fatigue-resistant rover travel rails with adjustable mounting brackets and compliant interfaces between structural components, allowing for relative movement during seismic events and maintaining system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional storage structures are used without fatigue considerations, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the reliability and durability under cyclic automation loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mounting brackets adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the structure to adapt to varying operational conditions and fatigue patterns. The brackets can be repositioned along the columns to accommodate different rail heights and loading scenarios, enhancing durability without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the mounting brackets, specifically making them adjustable in position and configuration. This allows optimization of load distribution and fatigue resistance by modifying mounting parameters rather than changing the fundamental structure, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed storage locations are used in conventional racks, then the structure is simpler, but the adaptability to dynamic storage needs and automation loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling adjustable storage locations through movable mounting brackets. Storage locations can be dynamically reconfigured along the columns rather than being fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing storage needs and automation requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable adjustable storage locations, and accommodate varying automation loads. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thereby avoiding excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If rigid structural connections are used, then the structure provides better stability, but the ability to withstand seismic events and movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing movable and adjustable elements into the structure. The mounting brackets can move and adjust position rather than being rigidly fixed, allowing the structure to dynamically respond to seismic events and movements while maintaining operational stability through controlled adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the structural connections by making them adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the connections to modify their mechanical properties in response to external forces, enhancing seismic resilience while preserving necessary structural stability for normal operation.
4Productivity
If automated material handlers with various payloads traverse the storage structure, then the productivity and usage rate increases, but the fatigue loads and stress on the structure worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mounting brackets adjustable, allowing optimization of load paths and stress distribution as payloads and usage patterns change. This dynamic adjustability enables the structure to better withstand varying fatigue loads from automated material handlers while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes mounting parameters of the brackets to optimize structural response to varying payloads. By adjusting mounting positions and configurations, the structure can distribute fatigue loads more effectively, maintaining strength resistance despite increased usage rates and automated handler operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes an autonomous rover and a multilevel rack structure. The multilevel rack structure includes columns connected by rail beams transversely spanning between the columns. The rail beams define storage and transport levels and provide riding surfaces for the autonomous rover. The rail beams include integral fatigue resistant rover location apertures.