Magnetic Charge Collector for Automated Storage Grid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load handling devices in storage systems face issues with charge station maintenance, alignment problems, and increased complexity due to the need for multiple components, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from arcing during charging.

Innovation Solution

A load handling device with a magnetic charge collector that connects to a charge head using magnetic attractive and repulsive forces, reducing alignment issues and increasing contact pressure for efficient charging while minimizing wear and arcing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a charge station with fixed charge contacts is used, then the charging infrastructure is simple, but alignment problems occur between charge contacts and load handling devices, and maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging infrastructure complexityVSAvoidcharging alignment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the charge head fixed and the load handling device move into position, the invention inverts the approach by making the charge collector on the load handling device move towards the fixed charge contacts. This is achieved through a motorized mechanism that extends the charge collector outward, allowing the moving device to actively seek and make contact with the stationary charging infrastructure, thereby resolving alignment issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The charge collector is designed with dynamic extension and retraction capabilities through a motorized mechanism. This allows the charge collector to extend outward to make contact with the charge contacts and then retract after charging, transforming a static charging interface into a dynamic one that adapts to the movement of the load handling device, ensuring reliable alignment regardless of positioning variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used in the charge station, then charging functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging functionalityVSAvoidcharge station components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load handling device performs the active action of extending its charge collector to make contact with the charging infrastructure, rather than requiring the charge station to perform complex tracking and alignment operations. This self-service approach allows the moving device to adapt to its own positioning, simplifying the charge station design to essentially fixed contacts and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining charging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional charge contacts are used, then charging can occur, but arcing and wear occur during charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidarcing and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional mechanical sliding contacts with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets are positioned on both the charge collector and the charge contacts, creating a magnetic field that couples the two components. This magnetic coupling maintains consistent contact pressure without the arcing and wear associated with conventional electrical contacts, while still allowing for efficient power transfer during charging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic charge collector system ensures reliable and efficient charging with reduced maintenance needs, minimizing downtime and operational costs by maintaining high contact pressure and preventing arcing.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical charge point arranged on the vehicle body for electrically coupling to a charge head of a charge station in use; the electrical charge point comprises a charge collector connectable to the charge head of the charge station under action of a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attractive force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

increasing contact pressure for efficient charging while minimizing wear and arcing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic pressure: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20230059131A1Apparatus and Method for Charging a Load Handling Device

Publication Date: 2023.02.23 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in a storage system a grid framework structure, the load handling device including: a vehicle body housing a driving mechanism operatively arranged for moving the load handling device on the grid framework structure; a lifting device having a lifting drive assembly and a grabber device configured to releasably grip a container and lift the container from the stack into a container-receiving space; are chargeable power source electrically coupled to an electrical charge point for electrically coupling to a charge head of a charge station wherein; the electrical charge point includes a charge collector connectable to the charge head of the charge station under action of a magnet.