Modular Work Frame for Stacker Crane Operator Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional article storage facilities face difficulties in allowing operators to easily correct or retrieve articles from storage units, especially after earthquakes or system failures, due to complex and large structures that hinder access and safety during high-reach operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular work frame system that can be attached and detached between the vertical-movement guiding masts of the stacker crane, allowing operators to perform tasks at various heights without obstructing the crane's movement, and featuring adjustable sub-members for enhanced accessibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ladder is provided along the vertical-movement guiding masts for operators to approach target article storage units, then operators can access high storage units, but the structure becomes complex and the operation becomes difficult and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameter from ground level to elevated positions by providing platforms at multiple heights along the guiding masts. This allows operators to access article storage units at different levels without using ladders, improving safety and ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity through the existing mast framework
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical guiding mast structure is segmented into multiple levels with platforms positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows operators to access specific storage units at appropriate elevation levels, eliminating the need for continuous ladder access and reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If a cab is arranged outside the masts to lift operators to target article storage positions, then operators can easily access high storage units, but the stacker crane size increases in the front-back width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operator access function with the existing vertical guiding mast structure by integrating platforms along the masts. This eliminates the need for a separate external cab, maintaining the compact width of the stacker crane while providing elevated access points for operators to reach high storage units
3Ease of operation
If a work frame is preset onto the vertical-movement guiding masts, then operators can perform various tasks easily, but the structure becomes complex and the facility size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides platforms that are freely movable along the vertical guiding masts, allowing dynamic adjustment of operator positions to match different storage unit heights. This dynamic capability enables operators to perform various tasks at appropriate elevations without requiring a complex preset work frame structure, maintaining facility compactness while improving operational flexibility
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed article storage facility is provide with a storing shelf (1) structured by lining up a plurality of article storage units (4) in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction; and a stacker crane, which can travel along a traveling rail (5), and which transports articles (B) to each article storage unit (4), The stacker crane is provided witch a travelling cart (9), which can travel along the traveling rail (5); a pair of vertical-movement guiding masts (10) set upright on both ends of the traveling cart (9) in the front-back width direction; a vertical-movement platform, which is freely movable vertically along the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts (10) between the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts (10); and an article transfer device (12) provided on the vertical-movement platform (10). Regarding the stacker crane (3), a work frame (27), having a set width in the sideways widthwise direction of the traveling cart (9) and the front-back width direction of the traveling cart (9) between the pair of vertical-movement guiding masts (10), is structured so as to be freely attached and removed.