Modular Block Storage Frame for Variable Container Sizes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing block bearing arrangements face challenges in achieving mechanical stability and adaptability to different container sizes, leading to inefficiencies in container storage and handling.

Innovation Solution

A flexible framework arrangement is developed, utilizing node elements and straps to form a rectangular structure that allows for easy adaptation to various container sizes, with node elements providing stability and supporting container holding devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the container storage spaces have a large footprint to accommodate different container sizes, then adaptability is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to wasted space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different container sizesVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame arrangement is segmented into separate node elements and support elements that can be independently configured. The node elements remain fixed while the support elements (beams, columns, diagonals) can be selectively added or removed to create storage spaces of varying footprints, allowing adaptation to different container sizes without wasting space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the container storage spaces are designed with fixed dimensions to ensure mechanical stability, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different container sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different container sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame arrangement is divided into stable node elements and adjustable support elements. The node elements provide fixed structural stability while the support elements can be reconfigured to create storage spaces of different dimensions, allowing both mechanical stability and adaptability to different container sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame arrangement transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The support elements can be added, removed, or repositioned to adapt the storage space dimensions while the node elements maintain structural stability throughout the reconfiguration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If custom frame structures are designed for each container size to optimize space utilization, then space utilization is improved, but device complexity and production effort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The node elements are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations. The same node elements can support different arrangements of support elements to create storage spaces for different container sizes, eliminating the need for custom frame structures for each container type and reducing production effort

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

Data Source

PatentEP4238903B1Block storage arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 JUNGHEINRICH AG
  • EP4238903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4238903B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4238903B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A block storage arrangement (1) is described, comprising several container receiving spaces (2), a loading space (3) arranged below the container receiving spaces (2), and a frame arrangement (4) between the container receiving spaces (2) and the loading space (3). The aim is to achieve a high degree of flexibility in the construction of such a block storage arrangement. For this purpose, the frame arrangement (4) is provided with node elements (5) arranged at the corners of the container receiving spaces (2), with each pair of adjacent node elements (5) being detachably connected by a common support (6, 7).