Lifting Drive Mechanism for Multi-Layer Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems face challenges in accessing articles on different layers, leading to limited space utilization, equipment redundancy, and reduced efficiency due to the need for multiple article transport devices on each layer.

Innovation Solution

A storage system with a lifting drive mechanism that allows a single article transport device to access articles on multiple layers by lifting up or down along shelves, utilizing a power connection state with a lifting drive mechanism and multiple lifting positions, and incorporating state switching mechanisms for efficient power management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple article transport devices are provided on different layers, then article access capability is improved, but device complexity and equipment redundancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle access capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The article transport device is designed with universal functionality to operate on multiple layers. The lifting drive mechanism enables the same device to access articles on different layers by vertically moving along the shelf, eliminating the need for separate transport devices on each layer and reducing equipment redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds vertical movement capability to the article transport device through the lifting drive mechanism. By enabling the device to move not only horizontally but also vertically along the shelf structure, the device can access articles on multiple layers, transforming a two-dimensional transport problem into a three-dimensional solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple article transport devices are provided on different layers, then article access capability is improved, but land occupation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticle access capabilityVSAvoidland occupation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The article transport device is designed with universal functionality to operate on multiple layers. The lifting drive mechanism enables the same device to access articles on different layers by vertically moving along the shelf, eliminating the need for separate transport devices on each layer and reducing equipment redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transport functions that would traditionally require separate devices on different layers are merged into a single article transport device. By combining horizontal transport and vertical lifting capabilities in one device, the system reduces the total number of devices needed and consequently reduces land occupation cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If a single article transport device is used for multiple layers, then space utilization is improved, but lifting mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidlifting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting drive mechanism acts as an intermediary component that enables the article transport device to access multiple layers. This dedicated lifting mechanism handles the vertical movement function, allowing the main transport device to focus on horizontal transport while the intermediary lifting mechanism provides the necessary vertical capability through the shelf structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3995415B1Storage system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BEIJING JINGDONG QIANSHITECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3995415B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3995415B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3995415B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of logistics, and in particular to a storage system. The storage system provided by the present disclosure includes: a storage device including a shelve, wherein the shelve includes at least two layers of article platforms; an article transport device, configured to access the articles on the article platforms; and a lifting drive mechanism disposed on the storage device and configured to have a power connection state with the article transport device to drive the article transport device to lift up or down along the shelve in the power connection state. By setting a lifting drive mechanism on the storage device to lift up or down the article transport device, the storage device can access the articles on different layers, which is beneficial to improve the utilization rate of space in the height direction of the storage system and fully utilize the height space of the storage system.