Modular Shuttle and Transport Apparatus for Warehouse Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing warehouse handling systems require significant adaptation and resizing to accommodate changes in storage needs, dimensions, and handling types, making it difficult and costly to switch between different handling systems, especially when moving from manual to automated or semi-automated systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular apparatus comprising a shuttle device for horizontal translation and a transport device for vertical translation, equipped with a picking device, which can operate on pre-existing shelving structures, allowing for flexible handling in single, double, or multiple depths, and accommodating various warehouse dimensions and types by using dedicated tracks and guide mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a translating-lifting device is used to operate on specific tracks applied both on the ground and at the top of the structures, then the device can be adapted to move within dedicated corridors, but the structure must be calculated on the basis of the loads and speeds, making the warehouse height and structure fixed and costly to adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The translating-lifting device is divided into two independent semi-movable devices: a first device for horizontal translation on ground-level tracks and a second device for vertical translation on shelving-attached tracks. This segmentation allows each device to operate independently on pre-existing structures without requiring a completely new integrated system, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first semi-movable device operates on tracks applied to the ground that can serve multiple handling systems, while the second device operates on tracks applied to the shelving structures. This universal track system design allows the same infrastructure to support different types of handling equipment and warehouse configurations, increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the warehouse structure is resized to accommodate different handling systems, then the new system can be implemented, but it requires significant adaptation and resizing making it difficult and costly to switch between systems
Solution Approach 1:
The tracks for both horizontal and vertical translation are pre-installed on the ground and shelving structures respectively, before the handling systems are deployed. This preliminary infrastructure preparation allows different handling systems to be implemented by simply adding or removing equipment rather than resizing the entire warehouse structure, significantly reducing adaptation costs and increasing flexibility to switch between systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The track systems serve as intermediary infrastructure between the warehouse structure and the handling devices. By mediating the connection through these pre-installed tracks rather than directly integrating handling systems into the warehouse structure, the patent enables easy switching between different handling systems without costly structural modifications.
3Ease of operation
If manual lift trucks are used for handling, then operator intervention is required, but the aisle spaces must be significantly larger (2.7-3 m for front loading, 2.5 m for retractable forks)
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-movable devices perform handling operations autonomously without requiring operator intervention. The first device automatically translates horizontally along the ground tracks, and the second device automatically translates vertically along the shelving tracks, with the picking device automatically positioning and handling loading units. This self-service capability eliminates the need for large aisle spaces required by manual trucks while maintaining efficient handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal-only movement on ground tracks to two-dimensional movement by adding vertical translation capability on shelving-attached tracks. This dimensional expansion allows the handling system to access loading units at multiple heights and depths within compact aisle spaces, eliminating the need for large corridors required by manual lift trucks while maintaining full handling capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for handling goods in warehouses equipped with shelf-like structures comprising: at least a first self-moving device (10) adapted to horizontally translate on straight tracks along said shelf and comprising at least a second self-moving device (11) adapted to vertically translate on straight tracks along said shelf and comprising in turn at least one picking device (12) adapted to detach from said second self-moving device (11), to be inserted onto the planes of said shelf to reach the pre-established work position so as to pick or unload the selected loading unit (13) and lastly to return to said second self-moving device (11).