Grid Structure Storage System Vertical Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage and removal systems face low storage density due to the need for aisles between shelves, and block storage systems offer direct access but at the cost of increased access time and complexity with additional conveyor technology.
Innovation Solution
A storage and removal system featuring a horizontal grid structure above rack storage with transfer points accessible from above, allowing direct access and decoupling of storage and work areas, and utilizing transport vehicles to move containers on the grid structure for efficient retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rack storage with aisles is used, then direct access to containers is enabled, but storage density is reduced due to aisle space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal aisle-based access to vertical shaft-based access. Containers are stacked in vertical columns accessible through shafts, eliminating the need for horizontal aisles. This dimensional change allows containers to be accessed from above while maximizing horizontal storage density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested structures where containers are stacked vertically within columns, and multiple columns are arranged in a grid pattern. Transfer points are nested within the rack structure at various levels, allowing containers to be transferred between different storage locations through vertical and horizontal movement paths.
2Quantity of substance
If block storage systems with vertical shafts are used, then storage density is improved by eliminating aisles, but access time increases due to digging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transfer points as intermediary locations within the rack structure. These transfer points serve as staging areas where containers can be quickly moved to and from storage locations. The transfer points are accessible from above and facilitate rapid container exchange without requiring full-depth digging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-positioning of containers at transfer points before final delivery to storage locations. Containers can be staged at intermediate transfer points during off-peak times, allowing for faster retrieval during peak operations. This preliminary action reduces the time required for actual container access.
3Loss of time
If block storage and row storage are combined, then access time is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to additional conveyor technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified rack structure that combines the benefits of both block storage and row storage within a single system. The vertical shafts provide block storage density, while the transfer points and horizontal movement capabilities enable row-style direct access. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate conveyor systems to connect different storage types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vertical shaft access method with horizontal transfer capabilities into a single integrated system. The transfer points serve dual purposes: they enable vertical container movement within shafts and facilitate horizontal container transfer between different rack sections, combining functions that would traditionally require separate systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
The storage and retrieval system for containers comprises a rack storage system (12) with a plurality of storage racks (14) extending in a longitudinal direction (x), which have storage locations (18) for containers (20) in one or more superimposed rack levels (16), wherein some of the storage racks (14) are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (z) such that a rack aisle (22) is formed between the respective storage racks (14), and at least one automated storage and retrieval vehicle (24) that can be moved in the rack aisle (22) and is equipped for transporting containers (20) and has access to the storage locations (18).With a view to particularly efficient operation, the storage and retrieval system further comprises a horizontal grid structure (26) arranged above the rack storage (12), wherein the grid structure (26) defines longitudinal transport paths (28a) in the longitudinal direction (x) of the storage racks (12) and transverse transport paths (28b) in the transverse direction (z) of the storage racks (12), a number of transfer points (30) for containers (20) formed in the rack storage (12) and freely accessible from above, with access by the at least one storage and retrieval vehicle (24), and at least one transport vehicle (32) designed to travel on the grid structure (26) along the longitudinal transport paths (28a) and/or the transverse transport paths (28b) for containers (20) with access from above to the transfer points (30) of the rack storage (12) through the grid structure (26).