Modular Warehouse System with Segmented Fire Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing warehouse systems face challenges in quick retrieval of storage bins due to the need for iterative relocation of bins above the target bin, and they struggle with fire protection in high stack configurations, making it difficult to comply with regulatory requirements.

Innovation Solution

A warehouse system comprising a modular construction method using prefabricated interconnectable storage modules, each with a storage area and a top level for vehicle movement, allowing for quicker access and improved fire protection through a pipe system for releasing extinguishing medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high stack sizes with more than 10 bins per stack are used to achieve high storage density, then storage density is improved, but fire protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage densityVSAvoidfire protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The warehouse system is divided into multiple storage modules, each with a maximum stack size of 6 bins. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall storage density through multi-level modular construction while ensuring that individual stacks remain low enough for effective fire protection and quick bin retrieval without iterative relocation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If iterative relocation process is used to retrieve bins at low positions in stacks, then all bins above target bin are relocated, but retrieval time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebin retrieval capabilityVSAvoidretrieval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By limiting stack height to a maximum of 6 bins per stack through modular design, the system reduces the number of bins that need to be relocated when retrieving bins at lower positions. This segmentation dramatically decreases retrieval time while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from horizontal expansion to vertical multi-level modular stacking. By organizing storage into multiple levels of modules rather than single high stacks, the system achieves high storage density while ensuring quick access to bins at any position within a module

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 modular design enables quicker retrieval times and increased throughput by reducing relocation needs and allowing for effective fire protection across all storage bins, including those at lower positions in stacks.

Implementation Method 1

a pipe system for releasing extinguishing medium may be installed in the fire protected module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid release through pipe system:

Data Source

PatentEP4509436A1Warehouse system having a fire protection system
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 VOLUME LAGERSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP4509436A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4509436A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4509436A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a warehouse system having a fire protection system (650), the warehouse system providing space for a three-dimensional arrangement of storage bins. The warehouse system comprises a plurality of interconnected storage modules (200), wherein each storage module (200) comprises a storage area and a top level arranged above the storage area, wherein the storage area is adapted to accommodate a plurality of stacks of storage bins arranged in a horizontal two-dimensional grid at a bottom of the storage module (200), wherein, at the top level, at least one vehicle is movable in alignment with the two-dimensional grid to retrieve and place storage bins from and to the plurality of stacks, wherein the plurality of interconnected storage modules (200) comprises at least two levels of storage modules (200) placed one above the other in an individual room. The warehouse system comprises a fire protection system (650) providing a plurality of fire protected modules (200) among the plurality of storage modules (200), wherein, in each of the fire protected modules (200), a pipe system (654) for releasing extinguishing medium is installed.