Lifting Frame Assembly with Extendible Guide Members for Automated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in accessing storage containers efficiently, particularly in regions where containers are stacked deeply, leading to time dependency between container transfer vehicles and handling vehicles, and limitations in accessing containers from multiple directions.
Innovation Solution
A lifting frame assembly with extendible and retractable guide members that can be suspended from a container lift device, allowing for guided movement against upright members of the framework structure, enabling retrieval of storage containers from above and sideways, and facilitating independent movement of containers on shelves, thus improving access and circulation around containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked deeply in storage columns, then storage density is improved, but access time and operational complexity increase due to time dependency between transfer vehicles and handling vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting frame assembly enables container retrieval from multiple directions (from above through the rail system and from sideways through the extended guide members), transforming the single-direction access model into a multi-dimensional access system. This allows containers in deep stacks to be accessed without requiring sequential operations between transfer and handling vehicles.
2Quantity of substance
If containers are stacked deeply in storage columns, then storage density is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordination requirements between multiple vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting frame assembly with extendible guide members extracts the guiding function from the rail system alone, creating an independent guidance mechanism that works in conjunction with the rail system. This dual-guidance approach simplifies vehicle coordination by providing alternative access paths.
3Manufacturing precision
If guide members are extended outside the lifting frame holder, then guiding accuracy against upright members is improved, but the cross-sectional area increases preventing passage through access openings
Solution Approach 1:
The guide members are designed to be dynamically adjustable between retracted and extended positions. When approaching the framework structure, they extend to engage with upright members for precise guiding. When needing to pass through access openings, they retract to minimize cross-sectional area. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between guiding accuracy and passability.
4Device complexity
If containers are accessed only from above through the rail system, then system simplicity is maintained, but access flexibility and airflow circulation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The access system is segmented into multiple independent pathways: the traditional overhead rail system and the side-access guide member system. This segmentation allows containers to be accessed from different directions depending on their position and priority, improving flexibility without requiring complete system redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting frame assembly, which is for a container lift device of an automated storage system, includes a lifting frame holder, a lifting frame, and at least a first set of guide members. The lifting frame holder is configured to be suspended from the container lift device by lifting bands. The lifting frame holder has a rectangular horizontal outer periphery. The lifting frame includes grippers for connection to a storage container from above. The at least a first set of guide members are for guiding against upright members of a framework structure of the automated storage system. The first set of guide members is operable between: a retracted position where the guide members are retracted within the outer periphery of the lifting frame holder, and an extended position where the guide members extend outside the outer periphery of the lifting frame holder.