Movable Barrier for Flexible Article Handling in Automated Warehouses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic warehouse systems are complex and delicate, limiting flexibility in handling articles of varying dimensions and positions, and are prone to jams and impacts due to incorrect positioning or accidental falls.
Innovation Solution
An automatic warehouse system with a control module that precisely positions articles and uses a manipulator and temporary support to selectively pick up and deposit articles, allowing for flexible handling and adaptation to different article dimensions and positions, with a simpler structure that can be easily integrated into existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent doors are used to allow access to limited zones, then access control is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring a movement means for each door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent door functions into a single movable barrier system. Instead of having separate movement mechanisms for each door, one barrier structure performs the access control function for multiple zones, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable barrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it can block entire tray access, create limited access zones, and adapt to different article positions. This universal barrier replaces multiple specialized door systems, reducing overall system complexity while improving operational flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed door arrangements are used, then structure stability is improved, but adaptability decreases as article dimension and position cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed door arrangements to a dynamic movable barrier system. The barrier can be repositioned along the access station to adapt to different article positions and dimensions, providing both structural stability during operation and adaptability for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is segmented into movable sections that can be independently positioned. This allows the system to maintain a stable overall structure while creating flexible access zones that adapt to varying article requirements through selective barrier positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable surfaces are used to vary opening size, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex systems for moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surface movement functions into a single movable barrier mechanism. Instead of complex systems for moving multiple surfaces, one barrier structure performs all the adaptability functions by moving to different positions, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If movable surfaces are used, then access flexibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to insufficient resistance to impacts and jams
Solution Approach 1:
The movable barrier is designed as a robust, simple structure that can withstand impacts and jams without complex protective systems. While individual barriers may be replaced, their simple design makes them highly resistant to damage from article positioning errors or accidental falls, improving overall system reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for selectively picking up and depositing articles to an automatic warehouse, comprising: a support plane (2), for the temporary support of an article (A); a temporary support (3), for the temporary support of a tray (V) intended to contain a predetermined number of articles (A); a manipulator (4, 5), structured to grasp and release an article (A) and to translate the article (A) between the support plane (2) and the temporary support (3). The manipulator (4, 5) and the temporary support (3) are movable relative to one another along a vertical direction, between a position of maximum distance and a position of minimum distance.