Grid Load Handler Wheel-Linkage for Compact Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage systems face challenges in efficiently handling and moving storage containers in a grid framework, particularly due to the need for complex and costly hoisting mechanisms, and limitations in accommodating varying stack heights within enclosed spaces.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, low-cost, and modular load handling device is designed to operate within a grid framework, featuring a direction-change assembly with a compliant mechanism or linkage-set that allows the device to maneuver in x- and y-directions by selectively engaging and disengaging wheels with parallel tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If free-standing stacks of containers are used with hoisting mechanisms to reduce storage volume, then storage density is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the hoisting mechanism from the load handler and relocates it to the grid framework structure itself. The grid includes elevated support members and drive mechanisms that lift and move containers horizontally along the framework, separating the lifting function from the transport function and simplifying the load handler design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a transfer station and grid-based transport system. Containers are lifted by the grid framework to a transfer station where they are horizontally moved along the grid to the destination stack, mediating between the vertical lifting need and horizontal transport requirement without requiring complex integrated hoisting in each load handler.
2Ease of operation
If a rectangular tube load handler is used to grip containers at any level, then container accessibility is improved, but the device height must accommodate the tallest stack, limiting warehouse space utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container handling process into two independent stages: vertical lifting to a transfer station, and horizontal transport along the grid framework. The load handler only needs to perform horizontal movement at the transfer station level, not span the entire stack height, allowing the use of smaller, more maneuverable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a horizontal dimension to the container transport system by introducing the grid framework with horizontal rails. Instead of vertical-only movement requiring tall devices, containers are moved horizontally along the grid after being lifted, distributing the movement function across two dimensions and reducing the height requirement for individual load handlers.
3Device complexity
If robotic load handlers cover multiple grid spaces to reduce device density, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput decreases due to larger device footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grid framework into multiple discrete grid spaces, each served by a dedicated small load handler. This segmentation allows numerous simple devices to operate in parallel on adjacent tracks, increasing overall system throughput while keeping each individual device simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by having load handlers operate on elevated rails rather than ground level, and by using a modular grid space assignment system. This allows tight packing of multiple small devices in three-dimensional space without ground-level interference, maximizing device density and throughput while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling device is disclosed for lifting and moving storage containers stacked in a grid framework structure having first and second sets of parallel rails or tracks. The load handling device includes: a body mounted on first and second sets of wheels arranged to engage with the tracks. A direction-change assembly is arranged to raise or lower the first set of wheels and or lower or raise the second set of wheels with respect to the body to engage and disengage the wheels with the tracks. The direction-change assembly includes a linkage-set having a series of members arranged between a traveller and a fixed brace, wherein the traveller is arranged to move under an applied force to cause the wheels to raise or lower.