Mast Arrangement Truss Struts for High-Shelf Storage Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-shelf storage and retrieval devices require a mast arrangement that balances stability with low mass for precise positioning and high acceleration, while also needing easy assembly and minimal processing effort.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight and stiff mast arrangement using truss struts connected to mast profiles via projections and recesses, with interchangeable truss struts and reinforcement for stability and rigidity, allowing for simple assembly without additional processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the mast assembly is made taller to accommodate high shelves, then the height is increased, but the mass increases and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemast heightVSAvoidmast mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mast assembly is divided into multiple modular sections that can be connected in series. Each section contains standardized mounting areas and connection interfaces, allowing the mast to be built to any required height by simply adding more sections. This segmentation enables the mast to achieve greater heights without proportionally increasing mass, as only the necessary number of sections are installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mast profiles are designed with mounting areas that extend in the third direction (perpendicular to the first and second directions). Truss struts connect these mounting areas from opposite sides, creating a three-dimensional truss structure. This dimensional approach distributes loads across multiple axes, improving stability and reducing the mass required compared to a simple vertical column.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If the mast assembly is made more rigid to improve stability, then stability is improved, but the mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemast stabilityVSAvoidmast mass
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mast profiles incorporate mounting areas that protrude in the third direction, and truss struts connect these areas from opposite sides to form a three-dimensional truss structure. This spatial arrangement creates triangular load paths that provide exceptional rigidity and stability. The truss configuration distributes forces efficiently across the structure, achieving high stability with minimal material mass compared to solid rectangular sections.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex connection methods are used to ensure stability, then stability is improved, but assembly effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly stabilityVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting areas are pre-formed as integral parts of the mast profiles during manufacturing, with standardized geometries and positioning. Connection elements are pre-configured with matching interfaces. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for现场 drilling, tapping, or complex alignment procedures during assembly. Workers simply need to connect the pre-prepared components using straightforward fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting areas are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different truss strut configurations and connection methods. The same mounting area geometry serves multiple functions: providing structural attachment points, enabling precise positioning, and facilitating easy connection. This universality allows the same mast profile design to be used throughout the entire height of the mast assembly, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3514102B1Shelf serving device
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP3514102B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3514102B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3514102B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A storage and retrieval machine (1) is described, comprising a chassis movable in a first direction on a rail arrangement (3), which has a mast arrangement (4) on which a lifting carriage (5) can be moved in a second direction. The mast arrangement (4) has a first mast profile (11) and a second mast profile (12) connected to each other by truss struts (25, 26). The mast arrangement should have high rigidity with low mass and be easy to assemble. For this purpose, it is provided that truss struts (25, 26) that follow one another in the second direction are connected to and abut mounting areas (19, 20) of the mast profiles (11, 12) from opposite sides in a third direction, perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the second direction.