Modular Warehousing System with Expandable Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The logistics industry faces challenges in maintaining a stable warehousing system due to varying customer needs and storage space requirements, with high customization costs and inefficiencies in traditional storage systems, particularly in accommodating irregular storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising interchangeable storage modules with vertical and horizontal tracks, utilizing a rack and pinion or sprocket chain transmission method for efficient expansion and adaptation to different customer needs, allowing for flexible configuration and reduced production costs by eliminating the need for multiple mold openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized storage systems are made according to each customer's needs, then customer needs can be met, but production cost and mold opening cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into independent modular units that can be manufactured separately using standardized molds. Each module contains complete functional elements (shelves, tracks, driving devices) and can be produced through a single mold opening, then assembled to different configurations for different customers, eliminating the need for custom molds for each customer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal standardized modules that can serve multiple customer needs through different combinations. The modules are equipped with both vertical and horizontal tracks that can accommodate various handling devices, making them adaptable to different storage requirements without requiring custom manufacturing for each customer.
2Ease of manufacture
If integrated storage systems are used, then production cost is reduced, but adaptability to different customer needs and irregular storage spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular units that maintain standardized manufacturing processes while allowing flexible arrangement. The modules can be connected in different patterns (horizontal expansion, vertical stacking) to adapt to irregular storage spaces, combining the cost benefits of standardization with the flexibility of customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates expandable and reconfigurable connections between modules, allowing the storage system to dynamically adapt to different spatial requirements. The standardized modules can be easily added, removed, or repositioned to match changing customer needs and irregular storage geometries.
3Productivity
If multiple sets of handling devices are added to improve efficiency, then customer efficiency requirements are met, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal handling devices that can operate on both vertical and horizontal tracks, allowing a single type of device to perform multiple functions. This reduces the variety of components needed in the system while still providing high efficiency through coordinated movement along different track orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling devices are designed with nested or integrated structures where components can be combined or separated based on operational needs. This allows the system to scale complexity only when necessary, maintaining simplicity for basic operations while providing advanced capabilities when required.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional non-modular storage systems are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to irregular storage spaces and varying customer needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented modular units with standardized connection interfaces that ensure structural stability through consistent joining methods. Each module maintains its structural integrity independently while the standardized connections between modules provide overall system stability, enabling adaptation to irregular spaces without compromising structural soundness.
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 system efficiently meets diverse customer needs, adapts to irregular storage spaces, reduces production and transportation costs, and facilitates easy maintenance, while ensuring smooth operation and compact structural layout.
Implementation Method 1
The cooperation between the vertical driving device and the vertical track is a rack and pinion or a sprocket chain
Implementation Method 2
The cooperation between the vertical driving device and the vertical track is a rack and pinion or a sprocket chain
Data Source
AI summary
A modularized warehousing system, the modularized warehousing system comprises a driving device, a carrying device and a plurality of warehousing modules, each warehousing module comprises a goods shelf body and a track, and the track comprises a vertical track and a horizontal track; the modular warehousing system has an expansion mode and a single block mode, and in the single block mode, the driving device drives the carrying device to move along the vertical track or the horizontal track; in the expansion mode, during transverse expansion, the horizontal rails of the adjacent storage modules are connected with each other, during vertical expansion, the storage modules have a connection state and a non-connection state, and in the connection state, the vertical rails of the adjacent storage modules are connected with each other; and in the non-connection state, the vertical rails of the adjacent storage modules are mutually staggered.