Insulated Container Transfer Passage for Split-Environment ASRS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in handling containers between spaces with different environmental conditions, such as temperature and gas composition, leading to issues like condensation and fire risk, and lack efficient solutions for long-term storage of sensitive items.
Innovation Solution
An automated storage and retrieval system with a container transfer apparatus that includes a container transfer passage and carrier system, allowing safe transfer of containers between spaces with different environments, using thermal insulation and seals to minimize leakage and maintain environmental separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If containers are transferred directly between spaces with different environmental conditions, then transfer speed is improved, but condensation and fire risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer passage with insulated walls is introduced as an intermediary structure between the first space and second space. This passage allows containers to be transferred while preventing direct environmental contact, thus maintaining transfer efficiency while eliminating condensation and fire risks through thermal insulation and environmental separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the transfer path into separate environmental zones using the insulated transfer passage. By segmenting the transfer process into distinct environmental sections, containers can move between different temperature and gas composition spaces without direct exposure, preventing harmful condensation and fire conditions.
2Reliability
If thermal insulation and seals are added to the transfer passage, then environmental separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible seals are employed at the interface between the transfer passage and container handling vehicles. These thin film sealing elements provide effective environmental separation without requiring complex mechanical sealing systems, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer passage walls utilize composite insulating structures combining multiple materials to achieve effective thermal insulation. This composite approach provides superior environmental separation through the wall structure itself, reducing the need for additional complex sealing mechanisms.
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
Enables safe and efficient transfer of containers between spaces with different conditions, reducing condensation and fire risk, and allowing long-term storage of sensitive items like biological species and fresh food.
Implementation Method 1
using thermal insulation and seals to minimize leakage and maintain environmental separation
Implementation Method 2
using thermal insulation and seals to minimize leakage and maintain environmental separation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an automated storage and retrieval system comprising a first space, a second space, a wall separating the storage system into the first space and the second space, a container transfer passage extending through the wall and a container carrier arranged within the passage for transport of at least one storage container therethrough. The container transfer passage is suitable for holding and transferring storage containers between the first space and the second space and extends below a level of the rail system. The invention also concerns a container transfer apparatus and a method using the system and the apparatus.