Modular Stainless Steel Base Frame for Automated Warehouse Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load handling devices for automated warehouses are heavy, large, complex to construct, and difficult to transport due to their single-piece or heavily welded design, which limits efficiency and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A load handling device with a base frame made from stainless steel sheet elements joined by gluing and repositionable fixing means, allowing for easy assembly and reduced storage and shipping dimensions, while maintaining strength and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the frame is designed as a single piece or with heavy welded iron plates to ensure strength and reliability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight increases, dimensions increase, construction complexity increases, and transport efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple modular components (base frame, vertical supports, upper frame elements) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining aluminum extrusions with stainless steel sheet elements. This material combination provides high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and ease of assembly, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Reliability
If the frame is designed as a single piece or with heavy welded iron plates to ensure strength and reliability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the device dimensions increase and storage volume requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into modular components, the patent enables compact storage of individual parts that can be assembled on-site. The modular components occupy significantly less storage volume compared to a complete welded frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular frame components are designed to nest within each other during storage and transport, with smaller elements fitting inside larger structural components, thereby minimizing storage volume requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
3Reliability
If the frame is designed as a single piece or with heavy welded iron plates to ensure strength and reliability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into standardized modular components with pre-defined connection interfaces, simplifying the assembly process compared to complex welding operations. Each module can be independently manufactured and quality-tested before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional welding mechanical processes with mechanical connection systems (bolts, clips, or interlocking mechanisms), eliminating the need for skilled welders, reducing construction complexity, and enabling easier disassembly and reconfiguration.
4Reliability
If the frame is designed as a single piece or with heavy welded iron plates to ensure strength and reliability, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the ease and efficiency in transporting the devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular frame structure allows the system to be disassembled into manageable components for transport, significantly improving ease of transportation compared to moving a complete heavy welded frame. Components can be optimized for compact packaging and efficient logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic assembly approach where the frame configuration can be adapted during transport - components can be disassembled for compact shipping and quickly reassembled at the destination, providing operational flexibility that static welded structures cannot offer.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a load handling device for automatically storing a load a in a warehouse having a base frame onto which wheels are rotatably connected. The wheels are suitable for allowing a translation of the load handling device along a storage aisle of the warehouse. First handling members, arranged inside the base frame in an inner compartment, are operatively connected to one or more of the wheels. One or more operational portions define a temporary support plane for the load. Second handling members, arranged inside the base frame, are operatively connected to the one or more operational portions for moving the one or more operational portions between a base position and a lifting position. The base frame consists of sheet elements made of stainless steel mutually joined by gluing and by repositionable fixings.