Guided Plate Lifting Apparatus for Automated Storage Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage and retrieval systems in warehouses are inefficient for payload movement and incur significant downtime during repairs, lacking time and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A storage system with guided plate-based lifting apparatuses mounted on Automated Vehicles (AVs) that utilize male and female connectors for self-alignment, guide plates for vertical movement, and a conveyor belt mechanism for loading/unloading payloads, enabling efficient and automated storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or semi-automated forklifts are used for loading/unloading racks, then the system is simpler to implement, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is equipped with self-aligning male and female connectors that automatically engage with the guide plates during insertion, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and enabling autonomous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual forklift operations with an automated lifting apparatus that uses mechanical connectors and guide plates for automatic positioning and engagement, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with autonomous mechanical systems
2Reliability
If conventional storage systems are used, then the device structure is simpler, but reliability deteriorates due to considerable downtime during repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting apparatus is designed as a modular unit with distinct components (base plate, connectors, lifting mechanism) that can be independently replaced, allowing faulty units to be swapped out without dismantling the entire system and maintaining operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static conventional storage to dynamic automated lifting apparatuses that can be quickly inserted and removed, enabling rapid replacement of faulty units and minimizing downtime through flexible, adaptable system configuration
3Productivity
If traditional storage systems are used, then space utilization is simpler to manage, but productivity deteriorates due to inefficiency in payload movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual or semi-automated forklift systems with an automated lifting apparatus that uses electric motors and controlled mechanical mechanisms to rapidly move payloads, substituting slow manual operations with fast automated mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting apparatus performs self-alignment through male and female connectors that automatically engage with guide plates during insertion, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning operations and enabling rapid, simple deployment
Data Source
AI summary
Storage and retrieval systems demand time and space efficient approaches. Embodiments herein provide a storage system with guided plate based lifting apparatus for payload loading-unloading on storage rack. The system deploys an Automated Guided Vehicle/Autonomous Mobile Robot (AGV/AMR) mounted with multiple lifting apparatuses in between two adjacent storage racks. The racks are modified with guide plates having entry cutouts for horizontal movements and entry guides for vertical movement of lifting apparatus. Ramp provided in the guide plates at the bottom of racks ensures there is enough clearance for lifting apparatus to go inside an aisle and have smooth vertical lifting. Wheel retention mechanism guides the vertical lifting maintaining required clearance. A conveyor belt mechanism mounted to base plate of lifting apparatus consists of geared rotary motor for conveyor belt that has a forward and backward movement, enabling the lifting apparatus to load/unload the payload inside/outside the racks.