Grid Storage Layout for Wireless Sensor Paths and Fire Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems face challenges in monitoring and maintaining the temperature of temperature-sensitive goods, particularly in densely packed arrangements where metal storage containers interfere with wireless signal transmission, and there is a risk of fire due to flammable plastic containers.
Innovation Solution
A storage and retrieval system with a grid framework structure that includes metal and wireless-transmittable plastic storage containers, arranged in a pattern to create pathways for wireless signal transmission from environmental sensors to a base unit, while enhancing fire safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If metal storage containers are used to reduce fire risk, then fire safety is improved, but wireless signal transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into different container types (metal and plastic) with distinct functions. Metal containers provide fire safety and structural support, while plastic containers are strategically positioned to create wireless signal pathways. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve fire safety and wireless signal transmission without requiring a single material to fulfill conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Plastic storage containers serve as intermediary elements that facilitate wireless signal transmission through densely packed storage areas. These containers are positioned between metal containers and the external environment to create signal pathways, acting as mediators that enable communication while the metal containers maintain fire safety.
2Loss of information
If plastic storage containers are used to enable wireless signal transmission, then signal transmission is improved, but fire safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different materials are assigned to different locations within the storage system based on local requirements. Plastic containers with wireless signal transmission properties are positioned in specific locations where signal pathways are needed, while metal containers are placed in locations where fire safety and structural support are prioritized. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize both fire safety and signal transmission without compromise.
3Productivity
If storage containers are densely packed to maximize space utilization, then productivity is improved, but wireless signal transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The densely packed storage system is segmented to include periodic pathways created by alternating metal and plastic containers. These segmented pathways allow wireless signals to propagate through the dense storage array without significantly reducing overall space utilization, as the pathways are integrated into the storage structure itself rather than requiring separate communication infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If environmental sensors are placed inside metal storage containers to monitor temperature, then measurement capability is improved, but wireless signal transmission is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
Plastic storage containers are positioned as intermediaries between the metal containers housing environmental sensors and the external wireless communication infrastructure. These plastic containers create signal pathways that allow wireless signals from sensors inside metal containers to reach external receivers, enabling both temperature monitoring and wireless communication simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage and retrieval system comprising: a grid framework structure including a plurality of storage columns for storing stacks of storage containers, and a track system arranged in a grid pattern above the storage columns for guiding one or more robotic load handling devices, each storage column being below a single grid cell; a plurality of stacks of storage containers, each container having a bottom wall and upwardly standing sidewalls and end walls, each stack occupying a single storage column, the stacks including a plurality of first type storage containers having a metallic container body and a plurality of second type storage containers having a wireless transmittable container body; and an environmental monitoring system including at least one environmental sensor with a wireless communication device stored in a second type container to define a sensor container, and a base unit external of the grid framework for receiving environmental data.