Modular Automated Storage Library With Partial Audits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated storage facilities face challenges in modifying capacity or configuration without significant productivity loss and high maintenance costs due to the need for full system shutdowns and extensive audits, and the complexity of managing various models with different parts.
Innovation Solution
A modular automated storage facility concept using a subset of basic configuration elements that can be assembled into complex components or complete facilities, allowing for flexible configuration and partial audits during interventions, enabling continuous operation and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the storage facility uses a fixed configuration with all parts unique to each model, then each model can be optimized for its specific function, but the complexity of managing and manufacturing multiple models increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal modular architecture where standardized components (modules, carriers, robots, storage units) can be combined in various configurations to create different storage facility models. This allows a single set of parts to serve multiple functions and model types, reducing the need for model-specific components while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage facility is divided into discrete modular components that can be independently manufactured, assembled, and reconfigured. Each module contains standardized interfaces and components that can be combined with other modules, allowing the system to be customized for different applications without requiring entirely different parts for each configuration.
2Reliability
If the facility performs a full inventory/audit after maintenance or repair operations, then complete accuracy of facility contents is ensured, but the loss of productivity increases significantly due to extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing a complete facility-wide inventory/audit after maintenance operations, the system performs partial audits only on the specific modules or areas that were accessed or modified. This partial action approach maintains sufficient inventory accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required to resume operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The audit process is localized to only those portions of the facility that require verification after maintenance. Rather than uniformly auditing the entire facility, the system applies auditing resources selectively to areas where changes occurred, ensuring reliability where needed while minimizing overall downtime.
3Ease of repair
If the facility shuts down the entire system for maintenance or repair operations, then operators can safely access and service components, but productivity is lost due to the complete stoppage of operations
Solution Approach 1:
The facility is segmented into independently serviceable modules that can be maintained separately from the rest of the system. This modular architecture allows operators to access and service specific modules without shutting down the entire facility, maintaining productivity in operational areas while enabling maintenance in isolated sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses automated robots and controlled access mechanisms as intermediaries that allow maintenance operations to proceed safely in isolated modules without requiring complete system shutdown. These intermediaries enable selective access to maintenance areas while keeping other areas operational.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the facility allows configuration changes to increase storage capacity, then the facility can adapt to growing needs, but the process of adding companion models or exchanging facilities becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The facility uses segmented modular modules that can be independently added or removed to expand or reduce storage capacity. This segmentation allows capacity changes through simple module addition rather than complex system exchanges or companion model installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Universal standardized components and interfaces enable different module configurations to work together seamlessly. This universality simplifies expansion processes by allowing any module to be integrated with any other module using the same connection standards, eliminating the need for model-specific expansion procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated modular storage library is formed by a plurality of available library elements. Each available library element is selected from a predetermined limited subset of library elements made available for library assembly. This creates a library that is modular by restricting the library elements used during assembly to the limited subset of library elements. According to a partial audit principle, an area where an intervention is to be performed may be physically separated prior to the intervention. After the intervention, the partial audit is conducted in a separated area where the intervention occurred, as the remainder of the library was protected during the intervention by the physical separation.