Mobile Storage Aisle Control for Simultaneous Multi-Aisle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile storage systems can only create a single aisle between adjacent storage units, limiting access and accommodating only narrow objects, and lack the ability to dynamically manage aisle openings based on user needs or frequency of use.
Innovation Solution
A mobile storage system with movable storage units and a control arrangement that allows for the formation of multiple aisles or a single wide aisle, using actuators and a surveillance system to manage aisle width and openness based on user commands and criteria such as object presence and frequency of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single aisle is formed between adjacent storage units, then the aisle width can be maximized for wide objects, but access to multiple storage units is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the total available aisle space into multiple separate aisles by moving different storage units to different positions. Instead of creating one large aisle, the system divides the space to create several narrower aisles at different locations, allowing simultaneous access to multiple storage units while maintaining adequate width for each aisle.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage units are made dynamically movable along rails, allowing the system to reconfigure aisle positions and widths in real-time. Storage units can be selectively moved closer to or farther from adjacent units to create multiple aisles of appropriate widths, adapting to different access requirements without sacrificing maximum aisle width capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aisles are formed between storage units, then access to multiple storage units is enabled, but the width of each aisle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different local regions of the storage system can have different aisle configurations. The system creates multiple aisles with locally optimized widths based on specific access needs at each location, rather than uniformly distributing space. Each aisle maintains sufficient width for its intended purpose while the overall system provides multiple access points.
3Ease of operation
If storage units are moved to create an aisle, then access is provided, but energy is consumed and time is required for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning storage units and pre-opening aisles based on predicted or frequent access patterns. Frequently accessed storage units maintain open aisles in advance, so that when access is needed, no movement time is required. The system anticipates access needs and prepares the configuration beforehand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from usage patterns to optimize aisle management. When an aisle is opened, the system monitors whether it remains open or is closed, and uses this information to make intelligent decisions about future aisle openings. Frequently used aisles are maintained open longer, reducing the need for repeated opening and closing operations.
4Speed
If an aisle is kept open for frequent access, then access speed is improved, but energy is continuously consumed and other aisles may be closed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages aisle openings and closings based on usage patterns without continuous energy consumption. Aisles are opened and closed autonomously based on detected access needs, and the system learns from usage patterns to maintain only the necessary aisles open, eliminating wasteful energy consumption from continuously maintaining all aisles open.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile storage system includes movable storage units that can be positioned to selectively form an aisle between adjacent storage units. The storage units define a maximum aisle space that forms a single aisle between an adjacent pair of storage units, or a number of aisles between several adjacent pairs of storage units by distributing the maximum aisle space between at least two aisles. A control arrangement controls the position of the storage units, in response to user commands, so as to form the aisles. The control arrangement may be configured such that, when a pair of aisles are present between two pairs of storage units, one of the aisles is closed based on certain criteria when a command to open a different aisle is initiated. The criteria may be user defined, or may be a characteristic such as the frequency of use of the aisles such that the more frequently used aisle remains open and the less frequently used aisle is closed.