Gantry Port Transfer for Faster Automated Container Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in transferring storage containers from stacks to port areas, particularly due to time dependencies between container transfer vehicles and handling vehicles, and the need for faster and more stable container handling.

Innovation Solution

A two-dimensional rail system with a first type of container handling vehicle equipped with a crane and gantry arrangement, featuring a raisable lifting frame and stabilizer, allows for high-speed transfer of storage containers between stacks and port columns, ensuring stability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional container handling vehicle is used to transfer storage containers, then the system can operate, but the transfer speed is limited by time dependencies between vehicle arrivals and container readiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer speedVSAvoidtime dependency between vehicle arrival and container transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The container handling vehicle arrives at the port area before the storage container is ready for transfer. The vehicle positions itself in advance, and the lifting frame is raised in anticipation of the container transfer, eliminating waiting time and enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting frame is made raisable and lowerable dynamically to adapt to different container positions and transfer requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize transfer speed by positioning the lifting frame at the optimal height before container arrival.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lifting frame is raised high to access upper storage containers, then more containers can be accessed, but the stability of the container handling vehicle is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to storage container positionsVSAvoidstability of container handling vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary element between the lifting frame and the container handling vehicle. The stabilizer provides additional support and balance to the vehicle when the lifting frame is raised, preventing instability while enabling access to upper storage containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that offsets the weight and instability caused by raising the lifting frame high. This counterweight effect allows the vehicle to maintain stability even when accessing upper storage containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Productivity

If the lifting frame is raised above the uppermost part of the storage container, then the crane can transfer containers from the top of the stack, but the complexity of the lifting mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer transfer capabilityVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it can raise and lower containers, stabilize the vehicle during high-position operations, and accommodate different container sizes and positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizer and lifting frame are merged into a single integrated mechanism. This combination achieves both stabilization and lifting functions through one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity while enabling high-position container transfers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250368437A1An automated storage and retrieval system comprising a first type of container handling vehicle, a crane and a gantry arrangement, and a method of transferring a storage container

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

An automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising a rail system (108) and: •—a port column (119.120) through which a storage container (106) may be transferred between an upper end and a lower end of the port column (119.120); •—a first type of container handling vehicle (30) operating on a rail system having a container carrier (35) for supporting a storage container (106); •—a crane (501) comprising a first lifting device (503a), wherein the first lifting device (503a) is configured to transfer a storage container (106) stored in a stack of storage containers (107) to the container carrier (35) of the first type of container handling vehicle (30); •—a gantry arrangement (600) arranged at a port area (50) where the upper ends of the port columns (119.120) are arranged, wherein the gantry arrangement (600) comprises a first cross-member (601), a crane trolley assembly (604) comprising a first crane trolley (603a) suspended from the first cross-member (601) and a first lifting frame (504), wherein the lifting frame (504) is raisable at a level above an uppermost part of a storage container (106) carried by the container carrier (35) of the first type of container handling vehicle (30) and is configured to transfer a storage container (106) between the container carrier (35) and the port column (119,120).