Mobile Storage Aisle Control With Select-and-Drag Width Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile storage systems either lack user control and efficiency in aisle formation or fail to adequately protect overhanging objects due to inadequate detection of obstructions, particularly in automatic mode operations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile storage system with a logic system that allows user-controlled selection and movement of multiple units to create aisles, remembering and maintaining dynamic open and closed aisle widths, and incorporating motion control actuators and emergency stop features to ensure safe operation and protection of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic mode operation is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic mode (for speed) and manual mode (for control). The control interface allows users to select between automatic aisle formation and manual push-and-hold operation, enabling the system to adapt its degree of automation based on operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by making the automation level flexible rather than fixed.
2Ease of operation
If push and hold mode is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation by combining automatic aisle selection with manual movement control. In hybrid mode, the system automatically identifies which aisles need to be opened and coordinates multiple units, but allows the operator to control the actual movement speed and timing. This partial automation approach captures productivity benefits without completely sacrificing operator control.
3Device complexity
If limit switch is used for safety detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary active safety system (photoelectric sensors or laser scanners) that acts as a mediator between the mechanical limit switches and the actual obstruction detection. This intermediary layer provides more reliable detection of overhanging objects while the limit switches continue to provide basic positional limits. The combination maintains relatively simple device structure while significantly improving reliability.
4Productivity
If multiple units are moved simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions for multiple units into a coordinated control system. When opening an aisle, the control system simultaneously manages multiple mobile storage units, coordinating their movements to open the aisle efficiently. This merging of control functions enables parallel operation of multiple units (improving productivity) while using integrated control logic to manage the complexity rather than allowing it to multiply with each additional unit.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a mobile storage system that includes a number of mobile storage units movably disposed with respect to one another and including a logic system. A signal from a motion control actuator on a mobile storage unit which is to move where an aisle is desired directs a run signal to at least one unit to cause one or multiple units to be driven successively away from a desired aisle. If multiple units are moved together, a motion control actuator on the unit adjacent the closing aisle is operated to move the actuated unit and the other units. The logic system remembers and maintains each new open aisle width and closed aisle width after the termination of a particular movement.