Goods Holder Rotation Station for Automated Tipping Handover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in the handover of goods holders, particularly in achieving fully automated and space-efficient extraction of articles without human intervention, as seen in the complexity and low throughput of solutions like AT524109.

Innovation Solution

A goods holder rotation station with a receptacle that rotates about a horizontal axis to tip contents onto a surface, utilizing a locking device to secure the goods holder during rotation, enabling automated extraction into wheeled containers or conveyor belts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing automated storage and retrieval systems use conventional handover methods for goods holders, then system complexity increases and throughput decreases, but full automation and space efficiency are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem throughputVSAvoidhandover system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the goods holder extraction function into a dedicated rotation station that operates independently from the main storage and retrieval system. This segmentation allows the rotation station to be optimized specifically for rapid goods holder handover without adding complexity to the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation station enables goods holders to be automatically extracted and tipped through rotational motion without requiring external manipulation devices, conveyors, or human intervention. The system uses the goods holder's own structure and the rotational force to achieve automatic discharge of goods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If conventional handover methods are used, then automation level is limited, but space utilization and process control are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamically rotating receptacle that can change its orientation from horizontal to vertical and back. This dynamic motion enables fully automated goods holder extraction and tipping, replacing static handover methods while maintaining compact space utilization through vertical movement rather than horizontal expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If goods holders are not secured during rotation, then the mechanism is simpler, but goods may shift or fall improperly during the tipping motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegoods holder position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device engages the goods holder in advance before the rotation and tipping motion begins. This preliminary securing action ensures that goods remain properly positioned throughout the dynamic motion sequence, preventing shifting or improper discharge without requiring complex continuous restraint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates rapid and automated handover of finished orders or bulk articles, achieving efficient space utilization and process control without human intervention, enhancing system throughput.

Implementation Method 1

a receptacle (4) configured with an opening (6) to receive a goods holder (106) from above when the receptacle (4) is in an upright position, the receptacle (4) being arranged to rotate from the upright position about a horizontal axis so that the received goods holder (106) rotates whereby one or more goods is tipped from the goods holder (106) on to a surface below

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20260109558A1A goods holder rotation station and a method of extracting goods from a goods holder

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 AUTOSTORE TECH AS

AI summary

The invention relates to a goods holder rotation station (2) for an automated storage and retrieval system (1). The station comprises a receptacle (4) configured with an opening (6) to receive a goods holder (106) from above when the receptacle (4) is in an upright position. The receptacle (4) is arranged to rotate from the upright position about a horizontal axis so that the received goods holder rotates by one or more goods is tipped from the goods holder (106) on to a surface below via top side of the goods holder (106). The receptacle (4) comprises a locking device arranged to lock the goods holder (106) in position within the receptacle (4) during rotation of the receptacle.