Modular Storage Container Panel Assembly for Stable ASRS Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face inefficiencies in transporting and stacking storage containers due to their large volume and potential for collapse when in the lowermost position, requiring more robust and efficient solutions for assembly and stacking.
Innovation Solution
A set of moulded panels that can be assembled into a storage container, featuring a rectangular base panel with a perimeter profile and four side panels with wedge-shaped profiles for interlocking, allowing for easy assembly and stability, and additional features like ribs for reinforcement and apertures for fastening, enabling efficient stacking and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If storage containers are made robust to prevent collapse in the lowermost position, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple modular panels (front, back, left, right, top, and bottom panels) that can be assembled together. Each panel is a separate component with standardized connection interfaces, allowing the container to achieve structural stability through the collective arrangement of simpler individual parts rather than requiring each part to be overly robust
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple panels are combined through standardized connection elements (protrusions and recesses) to form a unified stable structure. The connection elements merge the individual panels into a rigid assembly that prevents collapse, distributing the structural load across all connection points rather than requiring any single component to bear excessive stress
2Reliability
If storage containers are made robust to prevent collapse in the lowermost position, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into standardized panels that can be manufactured independently using cost-effective molding processes. Each panel is a simple, repeatable component that can be produced efficiently at scale, avoiding the need for expensive custom-molded robust structures
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements utilize geometric parameters (protrusions and recesses with specific dimensions and shapes) that provide high structural reliability through their interlocking design. These parameter-optimized connection features ensure reliable assembly while maintaining simple, low-cost manufacturing of individual panels
3Ease of operation
If storage containers are designed for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into pre-fabricated panels with integrated connection elements, allowing easy assembly through simple stacking and interlocking actions. The segmentation enables non-expert operators to assemble containers without specialized tools or skills
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed with complementary protrusion and recess features that automatically align and lock together during assembly. This merging mechanism provides strong structural connections through geometric interlocking, ensuring structural strength is maintained despite the simplicity of the assembly process
4Productivity
If storage containers are made modular for efficient transportation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a standardized set of panels (front, back, left, right, top, bottom) that can be independently packed and transported. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of transportation space and enables panels to be reused across multiple container assemblies, improving overall productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized panel design with universal connection interfaces allows the same panel types to serve multiple functions in different container configurations. A single panel type can be used in various positions and combinations, reducing the total number of unique components needed and simplifying inventory management despite the modular nature
Data Source
AI summary
A set of moulded panels, which can be assembled together to form a storage container for an automated storage and retrieval system, includes a rectangular base panel and four side panels. The base panel is moulded with a perimeter profile. Each of the side panels is moulded with a lower edge profile. The lower edge profiles of each side panel are slidingly engaged with the perimeter profile during assembly of the storage container. Each of the side panels are moulded with side edge profiles, which are to be slidingly engaged with the side edge profiles of adjacent side panels during assembly of the storage container.