Grid Load Handling for Multi-Container Storage Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inefficiencies in storage density and accessibility, particularly for online retail businesses handling multiple product lines, due to the need for aisle space and limitations in handling multi-product stacks.
Innovation Solution
A load handling device that moves laterally on a grid of rails above stacks, with vehicle modules capable of lifting multiple containers into a reduced footprint, allowing simultaneous retrieval and transport of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked in rows without aisles to improve storage density, then storage density is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical aisle-based access systems with an automated robotic retrieval system. The robotic device travels along rails positioned above the stacked containers and uses vertical extraction mechanisms to retrieve containers without requiring physical aisle space, thus maintaining high storage density while enabling automated access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal aisle-based access to vertical extraction mechanisms. Containers are stacked vertically in dense rows, and the robotic system accesses them by moving along overhead rails and extracting containers vertically from the stacks, eliminating the need for horizontal circulation space.
2Productivity
If a robotic device must accommodate the height of the largest stack to extract containers in a single operation, then extraction capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is divided into separate functional modules: a travel mechanism that moves along overhead rails, a vertical extraction mechanism that retrieves containers from stack height, and a transfer mechanism that delivers containers to the port. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it can travel horizontally along rails to access any stack position, vertically extract containers from any height in the stack, and transfer containers to the port. This universal design allows a single device to handle all retrieval operations without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the system is designed for single-product stacks to simplify handling, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to multi-product retail environments worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses programmable control parameters to adapt to different product configurations. The robotic device can be programmed with different stack locations, container identifiers, and retrieval sequences to handle both single-product and multi-product stacks, allowing flexible adaptation to various retail environments through software parameter changes rather than hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A load handling device is disclosed for retrieving, transporting, and delivering containers in a storage system having a grid structure formed of two substantially perpendicular sets of rails or tracks located above stacks of containers. An exemplary load handling device can include a wheel assembly, a container receiving space, and a plurality of vehicle modules. The wheel assembly can include a first set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a first direction and a second set of wheels to guide movement of the load handing device in a second direction. Each of the vehicle modules can include a container lifting means arranged to lift a container into the container receiving space and each of the vehicle modules can be moveable to adjust the spacing of the containers in the load handling device.