Media Pass-Through Transfer Device for Modular Storage Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expanding multi-modular storage apparatuses to transfer media between constituent modules requires new conveyor systems that span the entire apparatus, leading to inefficiencies and waste, as existing systems are typically discarded.
Innovation Solution
An expandable storage apparatus with a media pass-through transfer device that temporarily extends between storage units, allowing robotic systems to transfer media elements between support locations and storage devices across modules without the need for a new conveyor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new conveyor system is installed to transfer media between expanded storage modules, then media transfer capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase due to discarding existing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transfer media within a single storage module and also transfer media between multiple modules using the shared conveyor system. This eliminates the need for separate conveyor systems in each module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability for media transfer across expanded storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the conveyor system into a shared resource across multiple storage modules, rather than having dedicated conveyors in each module. The robotic systems from different modules share access to the common conveyor infrastructure, merging previously separate functions into a unified system that reduces complexity and eliminates redundant components.
2Quantity of substance
If storage capacity is expanded by adding modular libraries, then storage capacity is improved, but operational complexity increases due to multiple conveyor systems
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic systems are designed with universal functionality to operate across multiple storage modules. Each robotic system can access and transfer media from its home module as well as from other connected modules through the shared conveyor system, allowing storage capacity to expand while maintaining consistent operational procedures rather than increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into independent modular units that can be added or removed flexibly. Each module maintains its own robotic system and support locations, but these modular segments connect through a shared conveyor infrastructure, allowing storage capacity to scale without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conveyor systems are permanently extended into adjacent modules, then media transfer between modules is improved, but waste increases due to discarding original conveyor systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding existing conveyor systems when expanding storage capacity, the patent recovers and reuses them by integrating them into a shared conveyor network. The original conveyor systems continue to serve their local modules while also being accessible to robotic systems from other modules, eliminating waste and reducing the need for new conveyor infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor systems are designed to serve multiple functions: they transport media within their original module and also transport media between different modules. This multi-functional design allows existing conveyor infrastructure to be fully utilized during system expansion, preventing waste and reducing the need for additional conveyor systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for transferring storage media between storage units comprising an expandable multi-unit storage system. The expandable storage apparatus comprises a first and second storage unit comprising media support locations. The support locations are capable of supporting at least one storage media element. At least one storage device is adapted to store and retrieve data to and from the storage media element associated with at least one of the storage units. At least one robotic system is associated with each of the storage units. A media pass-through transfer device is substantially disposed in the first storage unit and is adapted to transfer the storage element between the first and second storage units wherein the media pass-through transfer device is capable of temporarily extending into the second storage unit. The robotic system is capable of transferring the storage media element between at least the support locations, the storage device and the media pass-through transfer device.