Movable Crate Rows for Fast Aisle Access in Warehouses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving crates in warehouses or stores lack efficient interaction between operator and automatic mechanisms for accessing and picking up objects within crates, particularly in unlevelled surfaces and for quickly providing projectiles to firearms magazines.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a translator device for moving rows of crates to create aisles, combined with a manipulator and overhead-travelling-crane mechanism, allowing for automatic control and efficient access and retrieval of objects using grippers and mobile forks, controlled by an electronic processing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rows of crates are moved to create aisles for access, then accessibility to crates is improved, but device complexity increases due to the translator device and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The translator device dynamically reconfigures the storage system by moving rows of crates horizontally to create aisles. The system transitions from a static rack arrangement to a dynamic configuration where rows can be repositioned as needed, allowing the storage structure to adapt its layout based on access requirements while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into independent rows of crates that can be moved separately by individual translator devices. Each row acts as a separable unit that can be repositioned independently, enabling flexible creation of access paths without moving the entire storage structure.
2Productivity
If automatic manipulator systems are used for picking objects, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced operator interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides feedback mechanisms that allow operators to monitor and interact with the automatic manipulator system. The operator can control the manipulator's movements and operations through the control car, maintaining operational oversight and intervention capability while benefiting from automated picking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control car serves as an intermediary between the operator and the automatic manipulator system. It provides the interface through which the operator commands the manipulator actions, bridging the gap between human control and automated execution, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high productivity.
3Speed
If crates are organised in fixed rows, then device complexity is reduced, but speed of access to crates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms fixed rows into dynamic, movable rows. The translator devices enable rows to be repositioned horizontally, creating temporary aisles for rapid access to specific crates. This dynamic reconfiguration significantly reduces access time compared to fixed rows, as the system can quickly create direct pathways to needed crates.
Solution Approach 2:
The translator devices can pre-position rows of crates in advance to anticipate future access needs. By proactively creating aisles or positioning rows near access points before they are needed, the system minimizes waiting time and maximizes access speed without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration during retrieval operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
System for moving crates in a warehouse, in which the crates (C) to be moved are organised in supply modules (M), each made up of a predetermined number of rows each having a predetermined number of crates. The system comprises a translator device for rows of crates that brings about the movement of at least one row of crates, so as to create at least one aisle (W) for passing between one row and another of said module, in which it is possible to gain access through a crates manipulator (3), which is able to move along the module and through such aisles.