Gripping Cart Conveyor for Faster Storage Container Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems in automated storage and retrieval systems move containers slowly due to their inability to securely hold them in place during acceleration, leading to inefficiencies in warehouse operations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with carts equipped with gripping mechanisms that securely engage storage containers, allowing them to be accelerated without sliding, using mechanisms like L-beam side members and pivotable engagement members to maintain stability during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional conveyor systems use simple support structures without gripping mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the containers slide during acceleration causing slower movement and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is divided into independent modular carts, each with its own gripping mechanism. This segmentation allows each cart to independently secure and accelerate containers without affecting other carts, enabling faster movement while keeping individual cart complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanisms are designed to dynamically engage and disengage from containers based on acceleration requirements. During acceleration phases, the gripping members securely hold containers to prevent sliding; during deceleration or idle phases, they release to allow easy container transfer, thus enabling high-speed operation without permanent complex structures
2Stability of the object's composition
If gripping mechanisms are added to securely hold containers during acceleration, then container stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism uses intermediary gripping members that can be raised or lowered to engage with container features. These intermediaries provide the necessary stabilization during acceleration without requiring complex rigid attachment structures, as the gripping members can adapt to different container types and sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanisms are designed to automatically engage with container features through simple actuation, and can be released by basic counter-forces or actuation. This self-service capability provides stable container holding without requiring complex control systems or multiple mechanical components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables faster movement of containers between positions, enhancing the efficiency of the conveyor system and overall warehouse operations by preventing containers from dismounting during acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
The cart comprises a gripping mechanism which is configured to releasably engage a storage container on the cart, and so hold the storage container in a fixed position relative to the cart as the cart moves along the rail
Implementation Method 2
The cart is configured to receive a storage container thereon in order to move the storage container between the two positions. The cart comprises a gripping mechanism which is configured to releasably engage a storage container on the cart
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a conveyor system for a port in an automated storage and retrieval system, the conveyor system comprising: a rail; and a cart moveable along the rail between a first position and a second position, and configured to receive a storage container thereon; wherein the cart comprises a gripping mechanism configured to releasably engage a storage container on the cart so as to hold the storage container in a fixed position relative to the cart as the cart moves along the rail.