Modular Storage Bottom Plates for Reconfigurable Temporary Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems are difficult to extend or reconfigure for increased capacity and are location-specific, lacking flexibility in setup and movement of storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising a bottom module with interconnected bottom plates equipped with driving wheels and an optimization module that allows for easy extension and reconfiguration, enabling movement of intermediate structures relative to the transportation assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage system is designed with fixed location-specific constraints, then the system structure is simplified, but the system cannot be easily extended or reconfigured for increased storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular bottom plates that can be independently connected and disconnected. Each bottom plate functions as a separate unit with integrated driving wheels, allowing the system to be segmented into reusable modules that can be reconfigured for different storage capacities and layouts without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom plates are designed as universal modules that can serve multiple functions: storage support, autonomous movement via integrated driving wheels, and interconnection to form different system configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same modular components to adapt to various storage capacity requirements and location constraints without requiring specialized parts.
2Ease of operation
If driving wheels are located at the lower side of bottom plates, then the structure is compact, but activation of a sequence of bottom plates is required for movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having driving wheels at the lower side of bottom plates requiring sequential activation, the driving wheels are positioned at the upper side in contact with intermediate structures. This inversion allows a single bottom plate to autonomously move its carried intermediate structure without requiring activation of adjacent bottom plates, thereby reducing energy consumption and simplifying operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage system uses fixed transportation assemblies, then the system is stable, but the storage device cannot be moved relative to the transportation assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed transportation assemblies to dynamic, autonomously moving bottom plates. Each bottom plate with integrated driving wheels can independently change position and orientation, enabling the intermediate structures to be moved relative to the transportation assembly. This dynamic capability allows flexible reconfiguration and item retrieval without requiring complex mechanical manipulation mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides flexible, energy-efficient storage solutions that can be easily set up and expanded without recalibration, allowing for self-configuration and movement of storage devices across various locations.
Implementation Method 1
The driving wheels are arranged and configured for propelling of the intermediate structures placed on the bottom plate along the first axis and along the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system comprising a bottom module extending parallel to a plane spanned by a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y) is disclosed. The bottom module comprises a plurality of bottom plates that are electrically connected to each other and form a planar support structure. Each bottom plate comprises several electrically driven driving wheels driven by one or more electrical motors. The driving wheels are arranged and configured for propelling an object placed on the bottom plate along the first axis (X) and the second axis (Y). Each bottom plate has a unique identification (ID), and one of the bottom plates is a master bottom plate that is configured to automatically identify and remember the ID of each bottom plate that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to the master bottom plate.