Grid Storage Robot Battery Swap Charging Without Standstill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face issues with robot standstill due to the need for recharge, reducing operational cycles and compromising system stability and space efficiency with complex power supply arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A system with a replaceable power supply compartment in the container handling vehicle, allowing for lateral charging without reducing storage space, using a charging station with a power supply support and locking mechanism to maintain stability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex power supply arrangement is used to enable charging, then the system can maintain operation, but the device complexity increases and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into a fixed charging station and a movable replaceable power supply unit. The power supply is separated from the vehicle body, allowing independent charging operations. The power supply unit can be easily detached and replaced at charging stations positioned at grid perimeters, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A charging station acts as an intermediary between the power grid and the container handling vehicle. The charging station provides a standardized interface for power transfer, eliminating the need for complex onboard power management systems in the vehicle. The power supply support at the charging station mediates the connection and power transfer process.
2Ease of operation
If the power supply compartment is positioned to allow charging, then charging can be performed, but storage space may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply compartment is positioned in the upper part of the vehicle body, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal storage area. The compartment opens in lateral directions (first and/or second directions) rather than requiring top or bottom access, enabling charging operations without encroaching on the storage grid footprint. This dimensional arrangement allows storage containers to be stacked underneath the power supply compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply compartment is integrated into the upper part of the vehicle body structure, nesting the power supply system within the existing vehicle framework. Storage containers can be positioned in the lower part of the vehicle, effectively nesting storage functionality within the same vehicle volume that also accommodates the power supply system.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the vehicle stops to recharge, then the power supply can be replenished, but the productivity and operational cycle are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle returns to charging stations positioned at the perimeters of the storage grid to recharge before completing full operational cycles. The replaceable power supply design allows for quick swap operations, and the vehicle can be preliminarily recharged at multiple distributed stations rather than returning to a single central charging point, minimizing disruption to the operational cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple charging stations are distributed at different perimeters of the storage grid, allowing the vehicle to perform charging operations at various locations during its operational cycle. This distribution enables continuous operation by reducing travel time to charging points and allowing parallel charging operations if multiple vehicles are in use.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated storage and retrieval system includes a track system, a plurality of storage columns, a container handling vehicle, a replaceable power supply, and a charging station. The track system includes a first set of parallel tracks arranged in a horizontal plane and extending in a first direction, and a second set of parallel tracks arranged in the horizontal plane and extending in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, said first and second sets of tracks forming a grid pattern in the horizontal plane comprising a plurality of adjacent grid cells, each grid cell comprising a grid opening defined by a pair of adjacent tracks of the first set of tracks and a pair of adjacent tracks of the second set of tracks. The plurality of storage columns are located beneath the track system. Each storage column is located vertically below a grid opening and arranged to store a stack of storage containers. The container handling vehicle is for lifting at least one storage container stacked in the stacks. The container handling vehicle is configured to move laterally on the track system above the storage columns to access the storage containers via the grid openings, wherein the container handling vehicle comprises a lower part comprising at least one storage compartment for storing a storage container, an upper part arranged vertically above the lower part, a wheel assembly for guiding the container handling vehicle along the track system and a power supply compartment for accommodating a replaceable power supply. The replaceable power supply is for accommodation in the power supply compartment, having a power supply charging connection. The charging station is for charging of the replaceable power supply, the charging station comprising a charging station charging connection configured to create an electrical connection with the power supply charging connection and a power supply support for releasably supporting the power supply during charging. The container handling vehicle includes an auxiliary battery to allow movement of the container handling vehicle when void of the replaceable power supply.