High Density Stocker Container Orientation and Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article storage devices are inefficient in storing a high number of standardized containers within a given space, leading to increased costs and reduced retrieval times due to the limited capacity and layout of storage racks.
Innovation Solution
The article storage device design includes a storage rack with standardized containers oriented to have their opening sides facing away from the access space, allowing a horizontal movement path for the retrieval transport apparatus, and a multi-segmented arm with hinged joints to engage lifting flanges without obstructing other containers, enabling a lower vertical and lateral storage pitch, thus increasing the density of container storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standardized containers are stored with opening sides facing the access space, then retrieval access is simplified, but storage density decreases and vertical height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation of standardized containers by positioning the opening side away from the access space instead of facing it. The containers are oriented with their closing sides toward the access space, allowing the retrieval apparatus to engage lifting flanges on the top surfaces. This inversion enables the containers to be stacked with reduced vertical pitch while maintaining automated retrieval capability, thereby increasing storage density without compromising ease of operation through the multi-segmented arm mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If containers are stored in closer proximity, then storage density increases, but retrieval time may increase due to tighter spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval apparatus employs a multi-segmented arm with multiple joints that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the arm to navigate through tight spaces between closely spaced containers, positioning the lifting tool precisely at the target container's lifting flange. The segmented structure provides the flexibility needed to access containers stored in high-density configurations without increasing retrieval time, as each segment can be positioned optimally to reach the target while avoiding obstructions from adjacent containers.
3Quantity of substance
If vertical storage pitch is reduced, then storage capacity increases, but the retrieval apparatus may obstruct adjacent containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical engagement (lifting from bottom) to horizontal engagement (lifting from top surface). By positioning the lifting tool to engage the top surface of containers rather than lifting from below, the retrieval apparatus operates in a different dimensional space. This allows the arm to move horizontally between containers at the same level without vertically obstructing adjacent containers, enabling reduced vertical storage pitch while maintaining ease of retrieval operation. The lifting flange on the top surface provides a dedicated engagement point that eliminates interference with containers above and below.
Data Source
AI summary
An article storage device is provided for holding a plurality of standardized containers. The standardized containers extend between a bottom surface extending generally horizontally and a top surface spaced from and generally parallel to the bottom surface. The standardized containers further include an opening side perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces and a door flange extending along the opening side and beyond the top surface. The standardized containers further include a lifting flange attached to the top surface for receiving a lifting tool. The standardized containers are disposed in the storage rack with their respective opening sides facing away from an access space for allowing a retrieval transport apparatus to move in a substantially horizontal plane between the access space to engage the lifting flange without being obstructed by the door flange.