Movable Base Plate Storage Bin for Damage-Free Stock Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stock retrieval systems in automated warehouses often cause damage or disarray to clothing and other items during transit due to inefficient handling and packaging methods.
Innovation Solution
A stock retrieval system with a base plate that is vertically movable within a storage container, supported by supporting rods, allowing for the base plate to be raised to a level above the container walls, facilitating easy access and reducing the risk of damage during retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stock is stored in a conventional storage container with fixed bottom and sides, then the storage structure is simple and stable, but the stock becomes difficult to access and may be damaged during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is made movable relative to the storage container walls, transitioning from a static storage structure to a dynamic one. The base plate can be raised to bring stock above the container walls for easy access, or lowered to maintain a compact storage profile, thus improving accessibility without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds vertical movement capability to the base plate, allowing stock to be positioned at different heights. By raising the base plate, stock emerges above the container walls in a third dimension (vertical), enabling easy access from the side without requiring complex horizontal retrieval mechanisms
2Volume of stationary object
If stock is retrieved from a storage container with high side walls, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the stock items are likely to be damaged or disarrayed during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The movable base plate allows the storage system to adapt its configuration during retrieval operations. By raising the base plate, stock is brought to an accessible height above the container walls, enabling gentle retrieval without the need to reach deep into the container or maneuver items past obstructive walls, thus reducing damage risk while maintaining high storage capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate is raised before retrieval operations begin, pre-positioning the stock above the container walls in an easily accessible location. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex retrieval maneuvers that could damage stock, allowing items to be simply lifted or slid out without handling difficulties
3Ease of operation
If a base plate is made vertically movable within the storage container, then stock accessibility is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate's vertical movability transforms the retrieval process by dynamically adjusting stock position. The base plate can be raised to bring stock above container walls for easy access, then lowered after retrieval, providing a simple yet effective mechanism that significantly improves operational ease without requiring complex retrieval equipment
4Productivity
If the base plate is raised above the container walls, then stock retrieval speed is increased, but the mechanism requires more complex drive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism moves the base plate vertically to a raised position where stock protrudes above container walls, enabling rapid retrieval operations. This dynamic positioning allows automated systems to quickly access stock without manual intervention, significantly increasing retrieval speed while the drive mechanism itself remains relatively simple in design
Data Source
AI summary
A stock retrieval system is provided, including: i) a storage container for containing stock; ii) a base plate configured to support stock and to be housed within the storage container, the base plate being vertically movable relative to a bottom of the storage container; and iii) a drive mechanism configured to move the base plate relative to the bottom of the storage container from a lowered position, in which the base plate is at a level below a top of at least one side wall of the storage container, to a raised position, in which the base plate is substantially at or above the same vertical level as the top of the at least one side wall of the storage container, wherein the drive mechanism includes at least one supporting rod comprising an upper end configured to engage with the underside of the base plate.