Automated Storage Retrieval With Hexagonal Containers for Dense Packing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional warehouse storage systems are inefficient in space utilization and stability, with rectangular bins leading to wasted space and instability due to 90-degree vertices, and existing automated storage and retrieval systems do not optimize for hexagonal containers.
Innovation Solution
The use of hexagonal storage containers with a rail system that allows for dense packing, increased strength, and stability, along with robotic container-handling vehicles that can traverse and lift these containers efficiently, optimizing space utilization and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rectangular bins are used in traditional warehouse storage systems, then the storage system is simple to implement, but space utilization is inefficient and stability is reduced due to wasted space between containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hexagonal geometry (a curved/polygonal form) to storage containers instead of traditional rectangular shapes. The hexagonal base allows containers to tessellate without gaps, eliminating wasted space between containers while maintaining structural integrity and stability through the geometric properties of hexagons.
2Ease of manufacture
If rectangular bins are used in traditional warehouse storage systems, then the storage system is simple to implement, but stability is reduced due to 90-degree vertices creating weakness points
Solution Approach 1:
The hexagonal shape replaces 90-degree rectangular vertices with 120-degree angles that distribute stress more evenly. The hexagonal geometry eliminates the structural weakness points found at rectangular corners, providing enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity while maintaining ease of manufacturing through standardized hexagonal forms.
3Device complexity
If automated storage and retrieval systems use traditional rectangular configurations, then the system structure is simple, but travel distance for container-handling vehicles is longer
Solution Approach 1:
The hexagonal grid configuration optimizes the geometric arrangement of storage containers, creating shorter distances between adjacent containers compared to rectangular grids. This geometric optimization reduces the travel distance for container-handling vehicles while maintaining a relatively simple rail system structure that follows the hexagonal pattern.
4Quantity of substance
If hexagonal storage containers are used, then space utilization increases and stability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into modular hexagonal container units that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and configured. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high space utilization and stability through standardized hexagonal modules while managing complexity through repetition and modularity, making the system scalable and maintainable.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a storage structure comprising a plurality of vertical columns of stacked storage containers, wherein each the storage containers each comprise a hexagonal base. The system also comprises a plurality of container-handling vehicles configured to store and retrieve the storage containers into and out of the storage structure. The disclosure also relates storage containers, container-handling vehicles, and methods for controlling the same in the automated storage and retrieval system.