Motorization kit for a storage system with mobile cabinets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems with mobile cabinets face challenges in manual movement, especially for large cabinets, due to the need for manual rotation of handwheels and issues with rail inclination causing gravity displacement, which are not easily addressed by existing safety devices or motorization solutions that are complex and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A motorization kit for storage systems with mobile cabinets, featuring a box-like body housing an electric motor, driven pinion, mechanical drive means, electronic adjustment and control systems, and safety sensors, allowing for automatic and wireless operation, including photocell sensors for obstacle detection and speed reduction, and eliminating the need for extensive wiring or customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation of handwheels is used to move large cabinets, then the cabinets can be moved along the rails, but the operation becomes physically demanding and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handwheel system with an electric motor system. The motor is connected to the pinion gear through a gear reduction mechanism, automatically providing the rotational force needed to move the cabinet along the rack, thereby eliminating manual physical effort and reducing operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized system enables the cabinet to move itself without external manual intervention. The electric motor, powered through the control system and battery, autonomously drives the pinion gear to engage with the rack, allowing the cabinet to self-propel along the rails.
2Reliability
If safety devices such as brakes are engaged to prevent gravity displacement on inclined floors, then cabinet stability is improved, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical brake systems with an electronically controlled motor system. The motor, controlled by electronic sensors and control circuits, can automatically engage and disengage to prevent gravity-driven displacement on inclined surfaces, thereby achieving stability without requiring complex mechanical brake installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the inclination of the floor and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the motor operation to prevent unintended cabinet movement on inclined surfaces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical safety devices.
3Extent of automation
If motorized drive systems are installed at pinions meshing with floor-mounted racks, then automatic cabinet movement is achieved, but the difficulty of installation and electrical connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the motorized drive system into modular components: the electric motor, the pinion gear, the battery, and the control system are separate, independently installable units. This segmentation allows each component to be installed and connected separately, reducing the overall installation difficulty and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is designed as a universal module that can be adapted to different cabinet types and rack configurations. The standardized mounting brackets and electrical connections allow the same motor unit to be installed on various cabinet models, thereby simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.
4Reliability
If extensive wiring and customization are required for motorization, then proper power supply and control are ensured, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a battery pack that is pre-installed and pre-charged, eliminating the need for complex electrical wiring during installation. The battery provides portable power that can be easily connected to the motor, thereby ensuring reliable power supply while significantly reducing installation time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive electrical wiring with a simplified electrical connection system. The motor is designed with plug-and-play electrical connectors that can be easily attached to the battery and control system, thereby ensuring reliable power and control connections while minimizing installation time and reducing the need for professional electrical wiring.
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
Enables efficient, automatic, and safe movement of mobile cabinets with reduced manual effort, addressing rail inclination issues and simplifying installation, while providing a cost-effective and easy-to-implement solution that can be applied to both new and existing systems without requiring extensive changes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (9) integrally held and supported in said box-like body (7)
Implementation Method 2
a driven pinion (5) rotatably and integrally connected to said shaft; mechanical drive means (10) supported in said box-like body (7) for kinematically connecting the shaft of the electric motor (9) to its respective driven pinion (5)
Implementation Method 3
sensor means (13) for detecting contiguous cabinets and/or motorization kits
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A motorization kit for a storage system with mobile cabinets comprises a box-like body (7) for fixing the motorization kit to a mobile cabinet (2), which houses: an electric motor (9), a driven pinion (5) designed to be keyed to the drive shank (4) of the mobile cabinet (2), mechanical drive means for kinematically rotatably connecting the shaft of the electric motor (9) and the driven pinion (5), electronic adjustment and control means for managing the operation of the motor, actuation means for providing an enable signal to the electronic adjustment and control means, for rotary actuation of the motor and safety means for stopping the motor in response to a signal emitted as an obstacle is found along the path of the mobile cabinet (2).