Modular Library Apparatus Linking via Inter-Cabinet Track Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional library apparatuses face challenges in scaling storage capacity by several folds due to limitations in robot mechanics and conveyance efficiency when linking multiple units, making it difficult to increase the number of cartridges stored without significant remodeling efforts.
Innovation Solution
A library apparatus design featuring a cabinet with storage racks that can be linked via a conveyor device, incorporating a provisional storage rack and track members for cartridge conveyance between units, allowing for easy expansion and reduced remodeling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple library apparatuses are linked to increase storage capacity, then the number of cartridges stored increases, but the robot remodeling work becomes more difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The library apparatus is divided into modular units that can be independently configured. Each unit has standardized components including the robot mechanism, conveyor device, and storage racks. This segmentation allows multiple units to be linked together to increase storage capacity without requiring complex remodeling of the robot mechanisms, as each module maintains its independent functionality while interfacing through standardized connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot mechanism is designed with universal functionality to handle cartridges across all linked library apparatuses. The same robot design can serve multiple units, and the conveyance system is configured to work consistently across different linked apparatuses. This universality eliminates the need for specialized remodeling work when expanding storage capacity by adding more units.
2Productivity
If the conveyance speed is increased to improve productivity, then the number of cartridges processed per unit time increases, but the robot mechanism remodeling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for speed adjustments without mechanical remodeling. The robot mechanism is designed with flexible components and control systems that can operate at various speeds, enabling productivity improvements through software control rather than hardware remodeling. This dynamic design allows the same robot mechanism to adapt to different conveyance speed requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If a fixed number of cartridges are stored in a single apparatus, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the storage capacity cannot be increased by several folds
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple library apparatuses are nested or linked together in a modular configuration, where each unit contains complete functional elements (robot, conveyor, storage racks). This nesting approach allows storage capacity to be increased by several folds while maintaining relatively simple individual unit structures. Each nested unit operates independently but contributes to the overall expanded capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A library apparatus which can be used alone and which, when linked, enables conveyance of a cartridge between linked library apparatuses by minor remodeling, that is, a library apparatus which is provided in a cabinet with first to third storage racks which can store a plurality of recording media, a drive of the cartridges, and a robot which conveys a cartridge between the first to third storage racks and the drive by an instruction from a control device, wherein when expanding the capacity by providing another library apparatus of the same specifications as the library apparatus, part of the first storage rack which is at the back side at the same height from the set surface of the cabinet is replaced with a track member which passes between the cabinets, and a moving member which can convey a cartridge is provided on the track member.