Grid Robot Container Retrieval for Deep-Stack Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems with stacked containers face inefficiencies in accessing containers located in the middle or bottom of a stack, requiring extensive 'digging' operations that consume time and space, reducing productivity and increasing costs due to the need for multiple handling devices and complex hoisting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-handling device system, where one device lifts multiple non-target containers and moves them laterally to a temporary location, allowing a second device to efficiently retrieve the target container from the stack, significantly reducing the number of operations needed to access a target container, thereby enhancing retrieval speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked in rows to improve storage density, then storage density is improved, but accessing containers in the middle or bottom of the stack requires extensive digging operations that reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the container handling task into two segments: a first handling device that removes and relocates overlying containers, and a second handling device that retrieves the target container. This segmentation allows parallel operation and eliminates the sequential digging process, improving retrieval speed while maintaining high storage density through vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The first handling device acts as an intermediary by temporarily relocating overlying containers to a temporary location, enabling the second handling device to access the target container underneath. This intermediary action resolves the conflict between maintaining stacked storage and enabling quick access to deeply buried containers.
2Device complexity
If a single handling device is used to retrieve containers from stacks, then device complexity is reduced, but extensive digging operations are required that increase time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The container retrieval process is segmented into two independent functions performed by two specialized handling devices: one for removing overlying containers and another for retrieving the target container. This segmentation eliminates the time-consuming sequential digging operations that would be required with a single device, while each device remains relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of container removal and target container retrieval into a coordinated two-device operation. The first handling device merges the task of removing multiple overlying containers into a single operation, while the second device simultaneously retrieves the target container, combining these actions to reduce total access time.
3Productivity
If multiple handling devices are deployed to improve retrieval efficiency, then productivity is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two specialized handling devices with distinct, simplified functions rather than one complex multi-functional device. The first device is dedicated to removing and relocating overlying containers, while the second device is dedicated to retrieving the target container. This functional segmentation improves retrieval efficiency while keeping each individual device relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Each handling device is designed with universal capabilities to handle various container types and positions within its specific function. The first device can remove any overlying container regardless of position, and the second device can retrieve any target container once access is provided, providing multi-functionality within each specialized device.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
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AI summary
A handling device (630) suitable for lifting a container from a stack of containers in a frame structure, the top level of the frame structure comprising first and second sets of rails to guide movement of the handling device in X and Y directions respectively, across the top of the frame structure is disclosed. The handling device (630) is a robot vehicle comprising first and second sets of wheels (634; 636) arranged to engage with the first and second sets of rails respectively, a battery and a crane device (640). The vehicle comprises first and second vehicle modules (632a; 632b) that support the crane device (640) therebetween, wherein the first and second vehicle modules (632a; 632b) are spaced apart to define a space therebetween into which the container (110) can be lifted and wherein the first and second vehicle modules (632a; 632b) are linked by a cross member (642) from which the crane device (640) is suspended.