Modular Warehouse Storage with Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current warehouse systems face inefficiencies in high-throughput storage and retrieval of containers, particularly in terms of vertical space utilization and energy supply for vehicles and containers, leading to suboptimal operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular warehouse design with stacked modules of varying heights, allowing for unloading areas at different levels and inductive energy supply to vehicles and containers, enabling contactless energy transmission and reduced elevator usage, along with renewable energy integration and secure container handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If modules are stacked to maximum height n to maximize vertical space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but retrieval speed deteriorates due to increased elevator dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The warehouse is segmented into multiple unloading areas at different heights (ground level, first floor, second floor), each accessible by different transport modes. This segmentation allows simultaneous access to containers at various levels without requiring all containers to be moved through central elevator shafts, thereby maintaining high storage capacity while improving retrieval speed for frequently accessed containers.
Solution Approach 2:
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are introduced as intermediary transport devices that can autonomously navigate to support sections and transport containers horizontally. This intermediary system reduces dependency on vertical elevators for container movement, enabling faster retrieval while maintaining full utilization of stacked module storage capacity.
2Reliability
If traditional contact-based energy supply is used for vehicles and containers, then energy transmission reliability is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to slower coupling/decoupling processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based energy supply systems with inductive energy transmission. Electromagnetic fields are used to transfer energy wirelessly between the infrastructure and moving vehicles/containers, eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of energy connectors. This substitution maintains reliable energy transmission while dramatically improving operational efficiency during loading and unloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive energy supply system operates automatically without requiring manual intervention for connection. Vehicles and containers receive energy wirelessly as they approach or occupy designated areas, with the energy transmission activating automatically based on proximity detection. This self-service mechanism eliminates downtime associated with manual connector operations while maintaining stable energy delivery.
3Volume of stationary object
If elevators are used for all vertical container transport, then vertical space utilization is improved, but system complexity increases due to centralized bottleneck
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized elevator system is segmented into multiple distributed vertical transport points located at different unloading areas. Instead of one central elevator serving all floors, multiple elevators or vertical transport mechanisms are distributed across the warehouse, each serving specific floor levels. This segmentation reduces the bottleneck effect and distributes system complexity across multiple simpler, independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces horizontal transport dimensions alongside vertical transport. AGVs provide horizontal movement capability, allowing containers to be accessed from multiple horizontal directions rather than funneled through a single vertical elevator shaft. This dimensional addition reduces dependency on vertical elevators while maintaining full utilization of stacked storage space.
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
This design enhances storage and retrieval speed, reduces energy consumption, and increases operational efficiency by allowing vehicles to move freely within the warehouse, utilizing inductive charging and minimizing elevator use, while ensuring secure and efficient container handling across multiple levels.
Implementation Method 1
a primary conductor for the inductive supply of the vehicle is arranged in the base plate
Implementation Method 2
the vehicle has a secondary winding on its underside which can be inductively coupled to the primary conductor so that energy can be transmitted
Implementation Method 3
a capacitance is connected in series or in parallel with the secondary winding in such a way that the associated resonant frequency essentially corresponds to the frequency of the applied alternating current in the primary conductor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular storage device which comprises similar n modules, which are arranged stacked on top of each other, and unloading areas which consist of fewer than n modules which are stacked on top of each other. The module comprises an inductive supply in order to supply a cooling unit or a vehicle/shuttle.