Lifting Device Assembly for Nested Delivery Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently consolidating items from storage containers into delivery containers without requiring large external areas for temporary storage, which is crucial for operational and economic reasons.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device assembly with a delivery container coupler and gripper mechanism that allows for releasable coupling and handling of delivery containers within storage containers, enabling efficient transfer and consolidation without the need for extensive external storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If items are consolidated from storage containers into delivery containers using external temporary storage areas, then consolidation capacity is improved, but space utilization of the storage system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing delivery containers inside storage containers. The lifting device assembly with coupler can lower a delivery container into an empty storage container, creating a nested configuration where the delivery container is housed within the storage container. This eliminates the need for external temporary storage areas while maintaining consolidation capacity, as multiple delivery containers can be stacked within the three-dimensional space of storage containers.
2Ease of operation
If delivery containers are handled externally, then consolidation operations are simplified, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting device assembly serves multiple functions: it can lift storage containers from storage columns, transport them to consolidation areas, lower delivery containers into storage containers, and raise them for transport to access stations. The coupler mechanism provides universal coupling capability for both storage and delivery containers. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system by using a single versatile device rather than separate specialized equipment for each operation.
3Area of stationary object
If storage containers are made larger to accommodate delivery containers, then space utilization is improved, but structural requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making storage containers larger to accommodate delivery containers, the patent inverts the approach by placing smaller delivery containers inside the existing storage container volume. The coupler mechanism enables this reverse configuration where the delivery container becomes the outer housing and the storage container is nested within it during transport, or the delivery container is lowered into the storage container which then serves as its protective housing. This inversion maintains existing structural requirements while achieving efficient space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting device assembly for handling a delivery container stored within a storage container includes a delivery container coupler and a lifting device. The delivery container coupler includes a coupler frame having a coupler frame lower face and a coupler frame upper face, and a delivery container coupling mechanism fixed to the coupler frame and protruding from the coupler frame lower face for enabling releasable coupling to corresponding coupling structures within an inner volume of a delivery container. The lifting device includes a lifting frame having a lifting frame lower face and a lifting frame upper face, and a plurality of grippers connected to the lifting frame for releasable connection to the coupler. The lifting frame is configured such that the lifting frame lower face can be arranged adjacent to the coupler frame upper face in a coupled position.