Furcated Container Conveyor Layout for Higher Grid Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor interfaces in existing storage and retrieval systems have limited throughput, which hampers the overall efficiency of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval system incorporating a furcated container conveyor with a stem and multiple branches, each with a grid interface section beneath the grid, and a central controller to direct container flow, enhancing throughput and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional conveyor interface is used to transport containers between the frame structure and peripherals, then the system structure is simple, but the throughput is limited which reduces overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent conveyor sections (first conveyor section, second conveyor section, third conveyor section) that can operate independently. Each section handles specific container transfer tasks, allowing parallel operations and increasing overall throughput without requiring a complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor sections are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations. The first conveyor section extends in a first direction, the second conveyor section extends in a second direction, and the third conveyor section connects them vertically or horizontally. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows containers to be transferred along multiple paths simultaneously, increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Productivity
If multiple conveyor sections are used to increase throughput, then the throughput increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each conveyor section is designed to perform multiple functions. The first conveyor section not only transfers containers from stacks to the second conveyor section but also serves as a storage and retrieval interface. The second conveyor section handles both transfer to the third conveyor section and direct access to picking stations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, increasing throughput without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval system comprising: a grid; a plurality of containers located in stacks beneath the grid; a furcated container conveyor comprising a stem and two or more branches connected to the stem by a junction, each branch comprising a grid interface section that is at least partially disposed beneath the grid, and the stem comprising at least one section that is disposed beyond the grid; and a plurality of robotic load handling devices arranged to move along the grid and configured to move the containers between the stacks and the grid interface sections of the furcated container conveyor.