Grid-Rail Service Vehicle for Broken Container Handler Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in retrieving and servicing container handling vehicles that have broken down on the grid, often requiring manual operation and manpower to transport the faulty vehicle back to a service area.
Innovation Solution
A service vehicle with wheel modules configured for movement along a grid-based rail system, equipped with a platform that can lift and accommodate a container handling vehicle, allowing for on-site servicing or transportation to a repair station, featuring a barrier for secure access and potential remote control capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation and manpower are used to transport broken container handling vehicles back to service area, then the system can retrieve faulty vehicles, but it increases manual labor and transport time
Solution Approach 1:
The service vehicle is autonomously navigated to the location of the broken container handling vehicle using automated guidance systems, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing retrieval time while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated service vehicle acts as an intermediary between the broken container handling vehicle and the service area, providing automated transport and enabling quick retrieval without direct human intervention in the transport process
2Productivity
If a service vehicle with platform is used to lift and transport container handling vehicles, then on-site servicing and reduced downtime are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The service vehicle is divided into modular components including a base vehicle and an attachable platform module, allowing the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation and only add complexity when servicing is required
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the service vehicle base, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs and reducing overall system complexity when the platform is not in use
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a service vehicle. In some embodiments, the service vehicle comprises a platform configured to service a container handling vehicle while the service vehicle is on a grid-based rail system of a storage grid of an automated storage system for storing storage containers, and one or more wheel modules, each wheel module configured to move the service vehicle along the grid-based rail system, wherein the platform is mounted on the one or more wheel modules and comprises an enclosure having at least one opening.