Load Handling Lifter Charging Within Grid Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load handling devices in storage systems face issues with charging, including clamping force problems, alignment issues due to vibration and material creep, and the need for external charge stations that obscure the view and increase downtime.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an electrical charge point into the lifting device of the load handling device, allowing it to charge from a charge station within the grid framework structure, which reduces complexity, eliminates external charge station obstructions, and minimizes alignment issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an external charge station is used to charge the load handling device, then the charging function is provided, but the charge station obscures the view and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the charge point functionality directly into the lifting device. The lifting device now serves dual purposes: lifting containers and receiving charging current. This integration eliminates the need for separate external charge stations, reducing system complexity while maintaining the charging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a container lifting mechanism and as a charging receptacle. The charge point is integrated into the lifting device structure, allowing it to perform both lifting operations and energy reception without requiring separate dedicated charging infrastructure.
2Productivity
If a charge station is positioned externally to the grid framework, then charging is enabled, but it increases downtime and reduces accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the charge point into the lifting device that operates within the grid framework, the charging function becomes accessible at multiple locations throughout the storage system. The lifting device can dock with charge points positioned on vertical columns, enabling charging without requiring travel to distant external stations, thus reducing downtime.
3Device complexity
If the lifting device integrates the charge point, then alignment issues are minimized and complexity is reduced, but the charge point must be positioned on the lifting device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The charge point is integrated into the lifting device structure, combining the lifting mechanism and charging receptacle into a single unit. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining functional effectiveness.
4Device complexity
If the charge point is integrated into the lifting device, then external obstructions are eliminated, but the lifting device structure must accommodate the charge point
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device is designed to incorporate the charge point as an integrated component. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate external charging infrastructure, reducing the number of system components while the lifting device structure is configured to accommodate the charge point positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load handling device (30) for lifting and moving containers stacked in a storage system comprising a grid framework structure supporting a pathway arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers, the load handling device (30) comprising: • a vehicle body housing a driving mechanism operatively arranged for moving the load handling device (30) on the grid framework structure; said driving mechanism is powered by a rechargeable power source electrically coupled to an electrical charge point (94) for electrically coupling with a charge head (112) of a charge station (110) in use, • a lifting device comprising a lifting drive assembly and a grabber device (139)configured, in use, to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into a container-receiving space, the lifting device comprises the electrical charge point (94) such that in use charging of the rechargeable power source occurs by the lifting device engaging with the charge head (112) of the charge station (110).