Grid-Based Storage Air Duct Layout for Multi-Temperature Zone Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in managing multitemperature environments, particularly in maintaining a cold region for storing frozen goods while ensuring the mobility of container handling vehicles, which are affected by ice build-up on rails, and require complex infrastructure that reduces storage capacity and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature management system that utilizes air as a refrigerant, with horizontally extending air ducts and conduits to provide controlled temperature zones within the storage volume, minimizing infrastructure occupation and allowing for increased storage capacity and simplified design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If complex infrastructure (refrigerant tubes) is installed for temperature management, then temperature control capability is improved, but storage capacity is reduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refrigerant tubes from the storage volume by routing them through the framework structure above the storage area. This allows temperature management functionality to be separated from the storage space, maintaining cooling capability while preserving maximum storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigerant distribution system is moved from a vertical arrangement within the storage volume to a horizontal arrangement in the overhead framework. This dimensional shift allows temperature management infrastructure to coexist with storage containers without occupying valuable storage space.
2Temperature
If complex infrastructure (refrigerant tubes) is installed for temperature management, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The framework structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the storage system, acts as a conduit pathway for refrigerant tubes, and supports the overhead rail system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated temperature management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature management infrastructure is merged with the existing framework structure by routing refrigerant tubes through the same vertical and horizontal members that support storage containers and rail systems, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
3Temperature
If refrigerant tubes are installed in the storage volume, then temperature management is achieved, but access and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The refrigerant tubes are extracted from the storage volume and relocated to the overhead framework structure. This positioning provides easy access to all portions of the refrigerant distribution system for installation, maintenance, and repair operations without requiring access to stored containers.
4Reliability
If ice build-up occurs on rails, then vehicle mobility is maintained, but temperature management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains different temperature zones: the rail system and vehicle operating area are kept at ambient temperatures to prevent ice build-up and ensure mobility, while the storage volume below is maintained at cold temperatures for frozen goods storage. This localized temperature differentiation allows both vehicle mobility and frozen storage to coexist.
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
The system achieves efficient temperature management with minimal refrigerant tubes, enhancing storage capacity, reducing operational costs, and facilitating easy access and maintenance, while maintaining vehicle mobility and storage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontally extending air duct (24) for conveying air at the first temperature to the storage volume (500)
Implementation Method 2
means (22) for providing air at a first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated, grid-based storage and retrieval system (1), said system (1) comprising a frame-work structure (100) comprising vertically extending members (102) and a grid of horizontal rails (110, 111) provided at upper ends of said vertical members (102), wherein remotely operated vehicles for handling goods holders (106) operate on top of the grid, the framework structure (100) comprising vertically extending storage columns (105) providing a storage volume (500) for storing goods holders (106). The storage volume (500) is disposed below the horizontal rails (110, 111) and at a distance from said horizontal rails (110, 111). Said system (1) further comprises a temperature management system (20) for the storage volume (500) comprising means (22) for providing air at a first temperature, and a horizontally extending air duct (24) for conveying air at the first temperature to the storage volume (500), the air duct being disposed along a middle of the storage volume (500), wherein air at the first temperature is released in an upper section (500U) of the storage volume (500). The invention further relates to a method for managing air in an automated, grid-based storage and retrieval system (1).