Movable Goods Holder Support for Automated Storage Column
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently accessing and managing storage containers, particularly in terms of alignment, stacking, and the need for 'digging' to access containers deep within stacks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a detachable storage column module with movable goods holder supports allows for flexible loading and unloading of goods holders using remotely operated vehicles, eliminating the need for precise alignment and stacking, and reducing the requirement for 'digging' to access frequently used containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage containers are stacked one on top of another to form container stacks, then storage density is improved, but access time increases due to the need for digging to reach containers deep within stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure within each storage column is made movable rather than fixed. The support can dynamically adjust its position vertically to match the level of the container being accessed, allowing the container handling vehicle to access any container in the stack without removing containers above it. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the digging operation while maintaining high storage density through vertical stacking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If precise alignment and stacking of containers are required, then structural stability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and positioning function is extracted from the container stacking operation and transferred to a dedicated support structure within each storage column. This support structure assumes responsibility for maintaining proper positioning, allowing containers to be simply placed on the support without precise alignment requirements. The support structure handles the complexity of positioning internally, simplifying the external operations.
3Ease of operation
If container handling vehicles operate on a rail system across the top of the framework, then accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage column module with its movable support structure provides self-service functionality. The support automatically adjusts to the appropriate level for the container being accessed, eliminating the need for complex coordination between multiple vehicles or manual intervention. The system serves itself by having each storage column independently manage its own container access operations through the movable support mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~10
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage column module (200) for coupling to a framework structure (100) of an automated storage and retrieval system (1), said module (200) comprising at least one storage column (105') for accommodating goods holders (106) inserted by means of a remotely operated vehicle (500) operating on a rail system (108) arranged across the top of the framework structure (100). The at least one storage column (105') comprises a plurality of storage cells (101) each comprising a goods holders support (121) movable between a first position in which said support (121) can obstruct passage of the goods holder (106) moving vertically through the storage cell (101) and a second position in which the vertically moving goods holder (106) can pass through the storage cell (101'). The invention further relates to an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising the storage column module (200).