Logistics Tower Vertical Retrieval System Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics storage systems face challenges in maximizing storage capacity within confined urban areas, stability issues at high heights, and inefficient loading and unloading processes, particularly in densely populated regions where space is limited and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A scalable logistics tower featuring vertical storage cell columns with robotic bin handlers and a winch system for efficient retrieval and delivery of storage bins, combined with a horizontal shuttle system for streamlined loading and unloading, enabling fast and stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If horizontal elevators slide back and forth on a track to retrieve bins, then storage capacity is achieved, but stability deteriorates at high heights causing sway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal elevator movement to vertical elevator movement, changing the dimension of operation. The vertical elevator travels up and down a vertical shaft to retrieve bins from different heights, eliminating the horizontal swaying motion that causes instability at height while maintaining storage capacity across multiple levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the storage system into multiple vertical columns, each with its own vertical elevator. This segmentation allows independent operation of each column, improving stability by isolating movements to individual columns rather than having a single horizontal track spanning the entire structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If elevator velocity is limited to reduce swaying, then stability is improved, but retrieval speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from horizontal to vertical movement, the patent eliminates the swaying problem that forced velocity limitations. The vertical elevator can operate at higher speeds without causing lateral instability, as vertical motion does not produce the same swaying effects as horizontal motion at height.
3Device complexity
If single bot bin retrieval is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to sequential retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retrieval system into multiple independent vertical elevators, each capable of autonomous operation. This allows parallel retrieval operations across different columns, significantly improving productivity while keeping each individual elevator relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central control system that coordinates multiple vertical elevators and horizontal shuttles. This intermediary intelligence enables complex parallel operations without requiring complex mechanical coordination, maintaining simplicity in individual components while achieving high overall productivity.
4Device complexity
If manual loading and unloading is used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated loading and unloading systems where robotic shuttles and elevators perform material handling tasks without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically receiving bins, transporting them to storage locations, and retrieving them for delivery, eliminating manual labor while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized modules.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly enhances storage capacity, stability, and operational efficiency by allowing for rapid and automated retrieval and delivery of storage bins, reducing labor costs and time, and optimizing space utilization in urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
The vertical retrieval system includes a winch and a robotic bin handler that selectively traverses the vertical storage cell column and selectively loads and unloads storage bins therefrom
Implementation Method 2
The winch system retrieves and delivers storage bins from a horizontal shuttle system
Implementation Method 3
The flatbed shuttles transport storage bins to one or more delivery points
Data Source
AI summary
A logistics tower includes a vertical storage cell column, a vertical retrieval system and a horizontal shuttle system. The vertical storage cell column includes an elevator shaft extending therethrough and a plurality of storage modules arranged around the elevator shaft. The vertical retrieval system includes a winch and a robotic bin handier. The robotic bin handler is moveably by the winch within the elevator shaft of the vertical storage cell column. The robotic bin handler includes a carnage assembly that extends inwardly and outwardly therefrom to access and retrieve storage bins from the storage modules arranged around the elevator shaft. The carriage assembly includes a gripping assembly that selectively couples and decouples the storage bin to the carriage of the robotic bin handler. The vertical retrieval system lowers the storage bin coupled to the carriage assembly to a. robotic shuttle situated on the horizontal shuttle system.