Storage system for supplying articles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated stock control systems face challenges in modifying drawer layouts, restocking, and storage density due to complex mechanisms, high manufacturing costs, and the need for extensive redesign, which limits flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system featuring cartridges with electronically controllable latch mechanisms, guide blocks, and sensing means that allow for easy removal and reconfiguration of drawers, enabling centralized control and high storage density without requiring extensive redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If trays and drawer carriers are used to hold drawers, then drawer access control is enabled, but storage density decreases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drawer carrier and tray structures from the system, allowing drawers to be mounted directly to the housing. This removal of intermediate components increases storage density while maintaining access control through the latch mechanism directly coupled to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, mounting surfaces for drawers, and integration for latch mechanisms. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drawer carriers and trays, increasing storage density while maintaining control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If separate latch mechanisms and control circuitry are provided for each drawer, then individual drawer access control is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is merged with the housing structure rather than being a separate component. The control circuitry is integrated into the housing, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual drawer control capabilities through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary that integrates both the latch mechanism and control circuitry, simplifying the system by providing a unified platform for control functions rather than requiring separate mounted components for each drawer.
3Ease of operation
If drawers are mounted to trays or movable carriers, then drawer positioning is enabled, but ease of removal and reconfiguration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drawer carriers and movable trays from the system, allowing drawers to be mounted directly to the housing. This extraction simplifies the mounting process and enables easy removal and reconfiguration of drawers while maintaining positioning through direct housing attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent drawer units that can be individually mounted to and removed from the housing without affecting other drawers. This segmentation enables easy reconfiguration and maintenance while maintaining proper drawer positioning through individual mounting points on the housing.
4Reliability
If access to the rear of the housing is required to release drawers, then drawer security is improved, but ease of operation for restocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves as an intermediary that provides front-accessible control mechanisms for drawer release. The integrated latch system allows users to control drawer access and removal from the front of the device, eliminating the need to access the rear while maintaining security through the controlled release mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprising: a cartridge, said cartridge including an upright having mounted to one side a plurality of guide blocks; a plurality of first drawer information means for providing information on at least one of position and movement of respective drawers; and a plurality of latch mechanisms, said system further comprising a plurality of drawers, each said drawer including: guide block engaging means extending in a depth direction of the drawer and mounting a first side of the drawer adjacent a respective guide block; second drawer information means disposed adjacent the first drawer information means; and at least one stop on the first side of the drawer for engaging with a said latch mechanism, wherein the latch mechanisms are electronically controllable, whereby access to the drawers can be controlled.