Multitemperature storage system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems lack the capability to maintain different temperature regions within a single structure, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of storing items with varying temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multitemperature storage system with a grid pattern and track structure allowing load-handling devices to move across the structure, combined with temperature-control means to maintain specific temperature regions using ducting or tubing for air or fluid chilling, enabling precise temperature control and efficient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single storage structure is used, then construction simplicity and cost are improved, but the capability to maintain different temperature regions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is divided into multiple temperature zones (first temperature region and second temperature region) with separate temperature control means for each zone. This segmentation allows different temperature requirements to be met within a single unified structure, resolving the contradiction between construction simplicity and temperature adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the storage structure are assigned different temperature characteristics through localized temperature control means. The first and second temperature regions maintain different temperatures independently, enabling the structure to provide locally optimized temperature conditions while remaining a unified construction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate storage structures are used for different temperatures, then temperature control capability is improved, but space utilization and construction complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature-controlled storage regions are merged into a single unified storage structure. The first and second temperature regions share common structural elements and load-handling infrastructure, reducing the total space required compared to separate structures while maintaining independent temperature control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single storage structure serves multiple temperature control functions simultaneously through its first and second temperature regions. The unified structure acts as both a spatial container and a multi-functional temperature-controlled environment, eliminating the need for separate dedicated structures for different temperature requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature-control means are added to maintain different temperature regions, then storage flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into distinct first and second temperature control means, each independently controlling a specific temperature region. This modular segmentation allows for manageable complexity while providing flexible temperature control across different storage zones.
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 effectively maintains multiple temperature zones, enhancing storage flexibility and efficiency by allowing simultaneous storage and retrieval of items with diverse temperature needs.
Implementation Method 1
a first region and a second region, each having a different temperature from the other
Implementation Method 2
temperature-control means to maintain specific temperature regions using ducting or tubing for air or fluid chilling
Implementation Method 3
ducting or tubing for air or fluid chilling
Data Source
AI summary
A multitemperature storage system is provided. The system includes a storage structure having a plurality of upright members, a plurality of horizontal members supported by the upright members and forming a grid pattern defining a plurality of grid cells and allowing containers to be arranged in stacks beneath the grid cells defined by the grid pattern, and a track structure on top of the horizontal members, the track structure being configured to allow a load-handling device to move across the storage structure to retrieve a container from a stack; and temperature-control means configured to maintain a first-temperature region within the storage structure at a first temperature and a second-temperature region within the storage structure at a second temperature.