Grid Levelling Mechanism for Top-Side Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid framework structures for storage systems require laborious and time-consuming adjustments to maintain horizontal alignment due to uneven floors, necessitating frequent manual measurements and adjustments at the base of vertical uprights, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential failure of load handling devices.
Innovation Solution
The grid framework structure incorporates an adjustable levelling mechanism at the interconnections of vertical uprights, allowing real-time adjustments of the grid level by measuring and correcting from the same position, distributing weight more evenly, and providing greater stability with anchor feet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual measurements and adjustments are performed at the base of vertical uprights to maintain horizontal alignment, then the grid structure can be levelled, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling mechanism is inverted from the conventional base-level adjustment to top-level adjustment. The adjustable levelling feet are positioned at the top of the vertical uprights where the grid members are connected, allowing operators to perform measurements and adjustments at the same location rather than separating measurement (at top) from adjustment (at base).
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable levelling feet act as intermediary components between the vertical uprights and the grid members. These feet provide a mechanical means to adjust the height of grid members independently at each node, serving as a mediator that translates small height adjustments into overall grid levelness without requiring disassembly or complex operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple operators are deployed for measurement and adjustment operations, then measurement precision can be maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service levelling where a single operator can perform both measurement and adjustment functions independently. The adjustable levelling feet are designed with clear indication mechanisms that allow the operator to visually confirm when the grid is level, eliminating the need for a second operator to verify measurements while maintaining measurement precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If frequent adjustments are made to maintain grid levelness, then horizontal alignment is preserved, but component wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable levelling feet are pre-configured with threadable rods and locking mechanisms that allow for stable, long-lasting adjustments. Once the grid is levelled, the adjustments are locked in place, preventing drift and eliminating the need for frequent re-adjustments. This preliminary stabilizing action reduces the frequency of subsequent adjustments and thereby reduces component wear.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the grid structure is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to uneven floors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, rigid grid structure to a dynamic one where the levelling feet can be independently adjusted at each node. The threadable rods with locking mechanisms provide a semi-rigid connection that allows for initial adjustment to accommodate floor unevenness, then locks into a stable configuration. This dynamic adjustability during installation followed by rigid fixation provides both adaptability and structural stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A grid framework structure configured to support one or more load handling devices (30) thereupon, said grid framework structure comprising: • i) a grid structure (40) comprising a first set of grid members (18) extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members (20) extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members (20) running transversely to the first set of grid members (18) in a substantially horizontal plane in a grid pattern comprising a plurality of grid cells (17); • ii) a plurality of vertical uprights (16) for supporting the grid structure (40); • iii) an adjustable grid levelling mechanism (180) for adjusting the level of the grid structure (40); characterised in that: the adjustable grid levelling mechanism (180) is interposed between the at least one of the plurality of vertical uprights (16) and the grid structure (40) for adjusting a vertical distance between the at least one of the plurality of vertical uprights (16) and the grid structure (40).